Xanthoderma
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A xanthoderma is the occurrence of yellow colored patches in the skin that resemble a condition known as xanthoma. However, whereas xanthomas on the skin take the form of plaques or nodules, xanthodermas do not. Plaques and nodes are both area on or in the body that appears different from other tissue, with nodules being more swollen. In this sense of the word, xanthoderma is also known as xanthochromia, cholesterodoma, xanthochroia, xanthopathy, yellow disease, and yellow skin. Xanthodermas are caused when the cell lacerates yellow pigment.
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The skin discoloration caused by xanthodermas is typically slight. Xanthodermas tend to be found in Caucasians and is caused by high consumption of substances with yellow pigments such as saffron. In more serious situations, xanthodermas can reflect liver disease. In these cases, jaundice is present, which is a yellow staining of the skin, whites of the eyes, deeper tissues, mucous membranes, and waste that is discharged from the body. A mucous membrane is one of four major types of thin sheets of tissue that line or cover various parts of the body, such as the mouth and passages for breathing.
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The skin discoloration caused by xanthodermas is typically slight. Xanthodermas tend to be found in Caucasians and is caused by high consumption of substances with yellow pigments such as saffron. In more serious situations, xanthodermas can reflect liver disease. In these cases, jaundice is present, which is a yellow staining of the skin, whites of the eyes, deeper tissues, mucous membranes, and waste that is discharged from the body. A mucous membrane is one of four major types of thin sheets of tissue that line or cover various parts of the body, such as the mouth and passages for breathing.
Xanthoderma is also known as yellow skin (see this entry for more detailed information). Xanthoderma comes from the Greek word "xanthos" meaning "yellow," and the Greek word "derma" meaning "skin." Put the two words together and you have "yellow skin."
