If you notice dark circles under your child's eyes, it is rarely a sign that your child is not getting enough sleep, says Barton D. Schmitt, MD, director of general consultative services at the Children's Hospital of Denver, in an interview with "Parents" magazine. Instead, dark circles usually occur when blood vessels underneath the skin show through. In some cases, dark circles under the eyes can be treated at home or with help from a doctor.
Allergies
Dark circles underneath the eyes of a 4-year-old child may be due to allergies, says the Mayo Clinic. During an allergic reaction, histamine is released in the body. Histamines may cause nasal congestion, which can cause the blood vessels in the nasal passages to expand. These blood vessels will show through the thin skin underneath the eyes. To temporarily constrict these blood vessels, apply a cold compress underneath the eyes. To permanently remove dark circles due to allergies, take your child to an allergist for a complete allergy test. Avoid all known allergens to prevent dark circles.
Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion, from a cold or the flu, may temporarily create dark circles underneath the eyes. When your child has a cold or the flu, mucus may build up in the nasal passages, creating pressure on the blood vessels around the eyes. These blood vessels may show through the skin under the eyes, creating darkness underneath the eyes. To lighten up the area, spray a saline nasal spray up each nostril, then instruct your child to blow her nose.
Heredity
Dark circles underneath the eyes of a 4-year-old child may be caused by heredity. If your family has a history of darkness underneath the eyes, your child may be more likely to have dark circles. This may be caused by very thin skin underneath the eyes, which may make it easier to see the blood vessels around the eyes. There is no cure for dark circles under the eyes caused by heredity, but some makeup, like concealer, can be used to camouflage the blood vessels.
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