What Is Xanthoma Disseminatum?
Xanthoma Disseminatum is a particularly rare form of Histiocytosis where lipid metabolism is normal. With this type of condition the bumps which appear are either a reddish-brown or a yellowish-brown colour and there are usually hundreds of them. They are fairly small in size and they generally are found more on both sides of the face and on the trunk. It is also possible that they will affect the armpits and the groin. Some sufferers notice that the bumps join together to form thicker skin and up to 30% of sufferers also develop the condition in the lining of their mouth, airways or their eyes. If the condition is found in the mouth it is known as ‘Verruciform Xanthomas’. Of the sufferers 40% also develop diabetes insipidus which is a condition that causes the inability to control water loss. This causes constant thirst and urination. A Histiocyte overgrowth on the lining of the brain is what causes this and it can also affect other organs such as the lungs, liver and kidneys.
