Cholesterol is a sticky, waxy substance that builds up in your blood vessels from the fat, calories, and sugar you eat. Due to not doing any kind of physical activity, its quantity increases rapidly and it blocks the veins of the blood, due to which the blood flow slows down or stops.
Although there are no specific symptoms of increasing cholesterol, but there are some signs which are visible on the face. On feeling these symptoms, you should immediately change your diet and lifestyle, otherwise you may have to face many serious problems including heart.
yellow or orange skin color
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if any part of your skin is showing a pale yellow or orange color, it means that your cholesterol level is increasing. This means that cholesterol is building up under your skin. It is painless and can occur on any part of the skin.
waxy lump on the skin
If you notice small lumps that look like wax on any part of your face or skin, then it is a sign that your cholesterol level is increasing. This type of lump can be seen anywhere in the corner of the eyes, on the palms, under the feet or on the back. In medical language it is called Xanthomas.
blue or purple mesh-like pattern on the skin
Some people see such a pattern on the skin when they are cold. However, it disappears when the skin is warm. If you are seeing something like this often on the skin, then it is a sign that your blood vessels are getting blocked due to increasing cholesterol level. In medical language, it is called cholesterol embolization syndrome, which occurs when small arteries get blocked.
Lichen planus
This is a condition in which an itchy rash occurs on the skin or inside the mouth. In a report from najms.org, researchers have believed that this could be due to high cholesterol level. It consists of purple or red spots on the skin that may be itchy. They can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, but are most likely to be present on the wrists, hands, back, and ankles.
Cholesterol is also the cause of these skin diseases
As told in an NCBI report It is known that high cholesterol can also cause skin problems such as histiocytosis, granuloma annulare and pemphigus vulgaris or pemphigus foliaceus. Sometimes some medicines used in skin diseases can also increase triglycerides and cholesterol.
what to do to reduce cholesterol
MayoClinic reports that by making a few changes to your diet, you can lower cholesterol and improve your heart health at the same time.
- Decrease saturated fat. It is found in red meat and dairy products containing fat.
- avoid trans fat
- Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Increase soluble fiber in your diet
- Include whey protein in your diet
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot be a substitute for any medicine or treatment in any way. Always consult your doctor for more details.
