TREATMENT OF XANTHELASMA PALPEBRARUM WITH BICHLORACETIC ACID

BACKGROUND. Although many treatment modalities have been described for xanthelasma palpebrarum, no single technique has emerged as dominant. OBJECTIVES. Our purpose was to review the various therapeutic modalit ies for xanthelasma anti to assess the efficacy of topical bichloracet ic acid. METHODS. Thirteen patients with 25 xanthelasma were treated w ith topical 100% bichloracetic acid. Efficacy was assessed over a foll ow-up period of 7 months to 10.5 years (average, 64 months). RESULTS. Eighty-five percent of patients experienced initial complete clearing, and 72% of their lesions have not required retreatment over an averag e period of 68 months. Recurrences responded well to repeat treatment. Eighty-three percent of recurrent or poorly responsive lesions were a ssociated with high cholesterol. The most resistant patient had four-l id involvement. Excellent cosmetic results and high patient satisfacti on were seen. CONCLUSIONS. Topical bichloracetic acid is a viable alte rnative to other modalities in the management of xanthelasma. Advantag es include simplicity, cost-effectiveness, speed, safety, and efficacy . (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc.