The difference between xanthelasma and xanthoma is that they differ in the location and typical presentation.
Both xanthelasma and xanthoma involve the buildup of lipids or fats under the skin but they differ in presentation and location.
Xanthoma is a broader term that refers to various types of lipid deposits which can appear in different locations of the body like your tendons, knees, elbows etc..
Xanthoma can also be associated with some underlying medical conditions.
Xanthelasma is what specifically refers to yellowish, cholesterol rich deposits on or around your eyelids.
Xanthelasmas are also the most prevalent type of xanthoma, which is characterized by yellowish deposits that are rich in cholesterol that typically develop on the inner portions of the eyelids.
These yellowish deposits result from the accumulation of lipids within macrophages.
Xanthelasma are yellow growths on or near the eyelids and can be flat or slightly raised.
The Xanthelasmas form when deposits of cholesterol (lipid or fat) build up under the skin. While xanthelasma themselves are not harmful, they can be a sign of heart disease.
Sometimes syringomas and milia may be misdiagnosed as xanthelasma.
The best treatment for xanthelasma is electrodesiccation and cryotherapy which can destroy xanthelasmas when they are superficial but may require repeated treatments.
Cryotherapy may cause scarring and hypopigmentation.