Orange eyelids : I have not yellow or brown but... - Thyroid UK

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Orange eyelids

Mandy_lw profile image
46 Replies

I have not yellow or brown but ORANGE eyelids that look like eyeshadow. I've had this discolouration for many years but the medical profession does not seem to know what causes it. Does anybody else have orange eyelids and if so have you been told why?

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Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw
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46 Replies
Clutter profile image
Clutter

Mandy_lw,

I had orange eyelids for years and disguised it with makeup. I just assumed it was one of those things like some people have dark circles under their eyes.

humanbean profile image
humanbean

The first thing that sprang to mind for me was this - and it is just a suggestion, I'm not guaranteeing anything!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carot...

Beta-carotene isn't "real" vitamin A, it is a pre-cursor to vitamin A. Healthy people convert carotenoids to proper vitamin A. However, apparently people with hypothyroidism are not very good at doing the conversion.

thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatm...

Read the vitamin A section in the above link.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to humanbean

Thank you

greygoose profile image
greygoose in reply to humanbean

I was thinking the same thing. :)

galathea profile image
galathea

my husband has orange eyelids too.... But only when he is tired or stressed.... They are really bright orange. Never managed to find an explanation and he doesnT eat many carrots....

Would be interested if you work out the reason.

Xx

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to galathea

Will let you know of I do 😊

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to galathea

I will definitely let you know if or when I find out 😊

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

A few random ideas:

Orange Palpebral Spots ingentaconnect.com/contento...

Cholesterol

Haemochromatosis

Xanthelasma

emedicine.medscape.com/arti...

Xanthoma

Liver problems

Carotenoderma

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi...

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to helvella

Thank you for the links 😊

judburke profile image
judburke in reply to helvella

I have the Orange Palpebral Spots as above - sadly though there doesn't seem to be an explanation for them nor a way of reducing them

DawnD profile image
DawnD

I have had orange eye lids for many years - mentioned it on here a few years ago and nobody really knew why. My doctor was unconcerned, and I have regular blood tests, and low cholesterol, so don't think it is anything in the list mentioned by helvella (but thanks for the list). As I have other health issues (the main one being CMT - Charcot-Marie-Tooth or inherited peripheral neuropathy, and also diverticulosis) then I never know which disease to blame!

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to DawnD

Thank you for your reply. Like you I have other health conditions which make it difficult to know which one is to blame. I have symptoms caused by being hypothyroid, having fibromyalgia, early onset osteoporosis, an early menopause and I have three lesions in my brain. It's a minefield for the professionals to work out let alone for the recipient to do so.

JSP57 profile image
JSP57 in reply to Mandy_lw

Oh my gosh! We should compare medical notes!! I have 8 lesions on my brain, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and Cryoglobulinemia... I just discovered my Orange Palbebral Spots. I’m 61.

Philing profile image
Philing in reply to Mandy_lw

also early (48) osteoporosis , just incase someone takes notice

If I have too many carrots I notice my skin looks a deeper shade when I put my usual make up on and I know it's the carotene. I had very orangey skin before meds.

judburke profile image
judburke

ME TOO! They started about 7 years ago and I haven't found an explanation for it even though I have asked a couple of times. My left eyelid is much more orange than the right one. Every so often they fade a bit but I haven't found a solution yet to get rid of them.

I have hashis and Coeliac but going GF doesn't seem to have helped it. If you find an answer please let me know :)

ToriiLove profile image
ToriiLove in reply to judburke

I only suffer from Hypothyroidism and my Dr. told me this is caused by hypothyroidism.

Scottface profile image
Scottface

Do you have asthma?

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Scottface

No asthma, I do have another condition to add to my list - familial hypercholesterolaemia...

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw

No i don't have asthma.

Dewdrop456 profile image
Dewdrop456

Hello, I have a very bright colour orange on my upper eyelids,above the actual inner lids but below the brow line. I don't know when it first appeared but I think it might have been in my thirties perhaps.

This makes me think that it must be a sign of some sort. My Doctor was mildly interested but couldn't offer a diagnosis .If I was a Doctor I would really want to be the first person to identify the cause !

DC_SA profile image
DC_SA

drlwilson.com/articles/COPP...

I read this article with absolute fascination. There are SO many things that relate to me and my health conditions (fatigue, insomnia, overly emotional, skin problems), that I can't help but be hopeful that I may have FINALLY found an answer to my health issues. I wanted to post this for others that it might help.

Oh my gosh.

I thought I was the only one with orange eyelids. I do have hashimoto- do you all with the orange eyelids have a thyroid condition?

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to MacyFromWisconsin

I am hypothyroid, possibly Hashimotos but cannot remember. I have high cholesterol and Hypercholesterolaemia and brain lesions possibly caused by mini strokes. I have had the orange eyelids for many years.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Mandy_lw

Orange palpebral spots (OPS) are a recently recognized condition first reported in 2008. These lesions are asymptomatic, yellow-orange oval macules that lie symmetrically over the inner portion of the upper eyelids. From the cases reported, OPS mostly appear in middle-aged women with fair skin.

Although the cause of OPS remains unknown, there are a few factors that play a role in the presentation of these lesions. When examined under a microscope, there was found scattered fat cells in the upper portion of skin. The skin may also have an increased of the colored pigments carotenoids and lipofuscin. Since the eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin on the body, fat cells and pigment are easier to be seen. An additional theory is that the pigment is a result of local trauma: rubbing and excessive blinking. Yet, there is much more research needed to identify the actual cause.

Treatment of OPS is not necessary due to the benign nature of these lesions.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to MacyFromWisconsin

Orange palpebral spots (OPS) are a recently recognized condition first reported in 2008. These lesions are asymptomatic, yellow-orange oval macules that lie symmetrically over the inner portion of the upper eyelids. From the cases reported, OPS mostly appear in middle-aged women with fair skin.

Although the cause of OPS remains unknown, there are a few factors that play a role in the presentation of these lesions. When examined under a microscope, there was found scattered fat cells in the upper portion of skin. The skin may also have an increased of the colored pigments carotenoids and lipofuscin. Since the eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin on the body, fat cells and pigment are easier to be seen. An additional theory is that the pigment is a result of local trauma: rubbing and excessive blinking. Yet, there is much more research needed to identify the actual cause.

Treatment of OPS is not necessary due to the benign nature of these lesions.

Sannysleftboot profile image
Sannysleftboot

Had orange eyelids for a while and, AFAIK, no underlying health issues.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Sannysleftboot

Orange palpebral spots (OPS) are a recently recognized condition first reported in 2008. These lesions are asymptomatic, yellow-orange oval macules that lie symmetrically over the inner portion of the upper eyelids. From the cases reported, OPS mostly appear in middle-aged women with fair skin.

Although the cause of OPS remains unknown, there are a few factors that play a role in the presentation of these lesions. When examined under a microscope, there was found scattered fat cells in the upper portion of skin. The skin may also have an increased of the colored pigments carotenoids and lipofuscin. Since the eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin on the body, fat cells and pigment are easier to be seen. An additional theory is that the pigment is a result of local trauma: rubbing and excessive blinking. Yet, there is much more research needed to identify the actual cause.

Treatment of OPS is not necessary due to the benign nature of these lesions.

Philing profile image
Philing

I realise this thread is years old but I have them too, they seem to come and go on a 2-3 day basis, I have sporadic inflammation , undiagnosed, possibly lupus and early osteoporosis.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Philing

Orange palpebral spots (OPS) are a recently recognized condition first reported in 2008. These lesions are asymptomatic, yellow-orange oval macules that lie symmetrically over the inner portion of the upper eyelids. From the cases reported, OPS mostly appear in middle-aged women with fair skin.

Although the cause of OPS remains unknown, there are a few factors that play a role in the presentation of these lesions. When examined under a microscope, there was found scattered fat cells in the upper portion of skin. The skin may also have an increased of the colored pigments carotenoids and lipofuscin. Since the eyelids are one of the thinnest areas of skin on the body, fat cells and pigment are easier to be seen. An additional theory is that the pigment is a result of local trauma: rubbing and excessive blinking. Yet, there is much more research needed to identify the actual cause.

Treatment of OPS is not necessary due to the benign nature of these lesions.

TPATRICIA profile image
TPATRICIA

Hi Mandy..if noticed the same thing with my eyelids..have you found anything thsts helped you with this problem?

I was told vitamin c would help by a friend but she isn't a doctor

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to TPATRICIA

I would ask your friend which source the information/diagnosis regarding your eyelid colour came from. Unfortunately I do not have any update regarding the problem - my eyelids are still peachy orange! Do let me know if you get a proper diagnosis and consequently some effective treatment 😊

Dawlee profile image
Dawlee in reply to TPATRICIA

This thread is amazing! I've been trying to figure out why my eyelids are orange for the last few years. What's interesting is that I first noticed it when I was having a bunch of health issues and was ultimately diagnosed with hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, and PCOS. Over the years it would lighten up and then get darker. I had a flare up off health issues recently and noticed they were super dark orange again.

Seperately, I decided to start using organic castor oil on my eyebrows and lashes to m for growth and around my eyes for wrinkles, and rubbed the excess into my lids and leave it over night. It's been two nights and I realized the orange has significantly lightened up. It could be a coincidence or maybe the castor oil actually helped.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Dawlee

Do let me know if it continues to fade the colour. There is still no diagnosis to exactly what causes the pigmentation but many of us have several medical conditions in common. Orange really isn't my colour!

Jaxon123 profile image
Jaxon123 in reply to Mandy_lw

Hey Dawly iv been told twice by 2 different doctors that this is called xanthelasma

I had a mild case of it there are different types apparently..I didn't have the fat deposits most people get from it..it was only my pigment in my skin being a slight orange colour it was..my sister actually told me whilst getting my eyelash extensions! I was a bit unsure of why I had this I thought maybe it was due to the extension i was having for the previous 7 months but

I ended up making an app with a dermotologest after having the diagnosis by the docs and have had 2 trestments of (TCA) trichloroacetic acid my first trestment was 35% and second one 50% Not pleasant I must say! I'm still healing up as I write this actually but if it prevents it and stops it all together it's worth it I recon

Any ways hope this helps you gals and take care ok x

Jaxon123 profile image
Jaxon123 in reply to Jaxon123

Also I'm TPATRICIA replying to our thread not quite sure why my name's changed haha

That's my son's name 😅

Dawlee profile image
Dawlee in reply to Jaxon123

How interesting. I just googled that, and I have the same as you with just the discoloration and no fatty deposits. It's nice to finally know what it is though.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Dawlee

Bilateral Orange Discoloration of the Upper Eyelids: Comment

Acta Derm Venereol 2010; 90: XX–XX (contd)

Diagnosis: Orange palpebral spots

Orange palpebral spots (OPS) is a fairly recently recognized entity, reported by Assouly et al. (1). This condition is probably under-recognized, as the authors reported the condition in 27 French patients, including 15 diagnosed within a 2-month period (1). We have also encountered other Caucasian patients within a period of several months: a 72-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man, with similar orange discoloration of the inner part of the upper eyelids. OPS mainly affects middle-aged Caucasian women, who present with a symmetrical asymptomatic yellow-orange oval hue of varying intensity on the inner side of the eyelids. Discoloration is more visible on fair skin. The clinical aspect of OPS is different from that of xanthelasma or xanthoma. The pathology of OPS remains unclear; carotenoids, vitamin E and retinol levels are normal. The authors speculated about a possible role of high-level adipocytes, coloured by carotenoids, or lipofuschin deposits associated with the thin skin of the eyelids, supported by microscopic examination of upper eyelid biopsies (1). Based on the clinical and histopathological data provided by Assouly et al. (1), we considered OPS to be the clinical diagnosis in our cases, and that palpebral biopsies would be too “invasive”, especially as none of the patients consulted specifically for this condition.

OPS is undoubtedly an under-recognized entity. It is important to diagnose OPS in order that it is not mistaken for another palpebral condition and unnecessary explorations performed; and in order to reassure patients who are aware of the discolouration.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Dawlee

I don't think there is a treatment for OPS yet... Good to hear that there is a treatment for xanthelasma or xanthoma though.

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Jaxon123

Bilateral Orange Discoloration of the Upper Eyelids: Comment

Diagnosis: Orange palpebral spots

Orange palpebral spots (OPS) is a fairly recently recognized entity, reported by Assouly et al. (1). This condition is probably under-recognized, as the authors reported the condition in 27 French patients, including 15 diagnosed within a 2-month period (1). We have also encountered other Caucasian patients within a period of several months: a 72-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man, with similar orange discoloration of the inner part of the upper eyelids. OPS mainly affects middle-aged Caucasian women, who present with a symmetrical asymptomatic yellow-orange oval hue of varying intensity on the inner side of the eyelids. Discoloration is more visible on fair skin. The clinical aspect of OPS is different from that of xanthelasma or xanthoma. The pathology of OPS remains unclear; carotenoids, vitamin E and retinol levels are normal. The authors speculated about a possible role of high-level adipocytes, coloured by carotenoids, or lipofuschin deposits associated with the thin skin of the eyelids, supported by microscopic examination of upper eyelid biopsies (1). Based on the clinical and histopathological data provided by Assouly et al. (1), we considered OPS to be the clinical diagnosis in our cases, and that palpebral biopsies would be too “invasive”, especially as none of the patients consulted specifically for this condition.

OPS is undoubtedly an under-recognized entity. It is important to diagnose OPS in order that it is not mistaken for another palpebral condition and unnecessary explorations performed; and in order to reassure patients who are aware of the discolouration.

Jaxon123 profile image
Jaxon123 in reply to Mandy_lw

Iv read up exactly this it still doesn't tell you nothing about the treatment .

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to Jaxon123

I don't think there is a treatment for OPS yet... Good to hear that there is a treatment for xanthelasma or xanthoma though.

Jaxon123 profile image
Jaxon123 in reply to Dawlee

Hi Dawlee I replied to your comment down below hope this helps

Jaxon123 profile image
Jaxon123

Yes it is good i just wish my eyes would heal already iv been stuck indoors for almost 2 weeks!! 🙄

OPSanswers profile image
OPSanswers

Hello! I wanted to ask a few questions ---- thank you so much in advance!

1) do they get worse over time

2) does applying make up to coverup make it worse in the long run

3) is it connected to thyroid issues, noticed it was on a thyroid chain

4) should you see a dermatologist or ophthalmologist

5) any laser treatments work to help disguise

6) any association to high beta-carotene levels

Mandy_lw profile image
Mandy_lw in reply to OPSanswers

1) they can get worse over time

2) applying make up to cover up probably doesn't make them worse in the long run but I do not know for sure

3) it is possibly connected to thyroid issues, medical practitioners do not know for certain

4) there are no recommendations regarding seeing a dermatologist or ophthalmologist

5) I do not know whether there are any laser treatments that work to help disguise them

6) there is no association to high beta-carotene levels

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