Not necessarily. Anybody can develop xanthelasma, regardless of having high cholesterol. However, you’re more at risk if any of the following apply:

• you’re a woman
• you’re aged between 30 and 50
• you’re Asian or Mediterranean descent
• you’re obese
• you’re a smoker
• you have high blood pressure
• you have diabetes
• abnormally high lipid levels (cholesterol)

More than half of the people that have xanthelasma have high cholesterol. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels and haven’t had a test for a while, ask your GP. Cholesterol checks are included in the NHS health check for over 40s. They are also available for a small fee in many high street pharmacies or as a home cholesterol test kit.