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A man who followed an eight-month “carnivore” diet experienced severe skin symptoms, including yellow bumps on his hands, feet, and elbows. This unusual condition, known as xanthelasma, is linked to high cholesterol levels, which skyrocketed to nearly 4,000 mg/dL—a significant increase from normal ranges of 210-300 mg/dL.
The man’s diet was heavy on fats, including cheese, butter, and hamburgers. This high-fat intake triggered xanthelasma, a condition characterized by yellow deposits of cholesterol building up under the skin. The bumps appeared painless but grew for weeks before he sought medical attention.
Xanthelasma affects about 1% of people and is not inherently dangerous, though it can indicate underlying health issues like diabetes or thyroid problems. High cholesterol levels are often a contributing factor, especially if inherited from genetic conditions.
While lowering blood cholesterol through diet and medications may prevent future skin complications, existing bumps cannot be removed without medical intervention. For those wishing to eliminate these deposits, surgical removal or freezing with liquid nitrogen is an option.
This case underscores the importance of a balanced diet for overall health, as changes in diet can have significant effects beyond weight loss—potentially even on skin health.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/health/viruses-infections-disease/carnivore-diet-caused-yellow-lumps-to-grow-on-mans-hands-and-feet