These Bumps On Your Skin Could Be A Sign Of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is the result of too many fatty deposits in your blood vessels. According to Mayo Clinic, these deposits can become problematic if they stick to the sides of your arteries, and make it difficult for blood to flow. Pieces of the fat can break away and cause a clot, which might result in a heart attack or stroke.

While high cholesterol can be hereditary, the Mayo Clinic points out that it can also result from poor lifestyle choices. If you are obese and don't get enough regular exercise, your chances of developing high cholesterol increase. In addition, smoking and drinking alcohol can also lead to higher cholesterol levels.

In general, you'd have to have your blood tested to know if you have high cholesterol, per Mayo Clinic. But one condition that might point to high cholesterol can manifest as unusually-shaped bumps on your skin.

Xanthelasma are small, yellow bumps of cholesterol deposits on your skin, per VeryWell Health. Most of the time, the bumps will occur in the corner of the eyelids, but they can also appear on joints, per Livestrong. Xanthelasma is not harmful, but over time, the bumps could increase and cause discomfort, per VeryWell Health. You can identify xanthelasma from other bumps with its soft, thin, and usually raised bumps. Most of the time, the bumps have unique shapes and are not always round. Xanthelasma usually appears around both eyes, not just one (via Livestrong).

It's not just high cholesterol that can cause Xanthelasma. For instance, pregnancy can result in these bumps as well. Additionally, obesity, diabetes, and liver issues can also affect the lipids in your blood and may bring about xanthelasma. Roughly half of the people who have xanthelasma have high cholesterol, so if you do notice these bumps on your body, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have your cholesterol checked (per Livestrong).