Different types are seen Some are associated with disturbances in fat metabolism while others are seen without any cause. This is very common and seen around eyes on the eyelids as yellowish flat plaques. These are associated with hyper cholesterolemia.
Tendinous xanthomas appear as nodules over hands, feet, Achilles tendon.
These are also seen with increased cholesterol in the blood. In this multiple crops of yellow papules appear all over the body and resolve rapidly. Another crop of yellowish red papules appear and resolve within few weeks. These are associated with increased levels of triglycerides in the blood. These can also be seen in diabetic patients.