Dark circles beneath the eyes are often associated with aging adults, but children can also have them, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Barton Schmitt, the director of Children's Hospital of Denver consultative services, advises parents not to worry if their children have dark circles. He claims that the discoloration isn't necessarily a sign of bad health or lack of sleep.
Description
Dark eye circles are generally rounded areas of dark bluish or grayish skin beneath each eye. They are generally uniform in color, and they may be accompanied by puffiness. The discoloration is generally more noticeable in children with fair skin because of the contrast in skin coloring.
Causes
Children's dark circles can be caused by many of the same things as those on adults. One of the most common causes is nasal congestion from allergies. Veins run from the eyes to the nose, so if the nasal passages are blocked, the veins may grow bigger and darken as they swell, according to the About Kids' Health website. Chronic sinus infections, hay fever, enlarged adenoids and colds may also cause dark circles in children. Other things that may cause dark circles under children's eyes include hereditary pigment discoloration, exposure to the sun and eczema.
Accompanying Symptoms
Sometimes the symptoms will help identify the cause of the discoloration. If the dark circles beneath the eyes are caused by allergies or colds, the child is likely to have nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes. Puffiness may form in the same area as the discoloration. Eczema sufferers may also experience a rash or reddish bumps on the skin. In more extreme cases, the child may have open lesions.
Home Treatment
The best way to get rid of the dark circles is to treat the cause. After identifying the cause of any allergies, remove them from wherever the child must be or ask the pediatrician to recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine. You may also try a cold compress by chilling teaspoons and lightly placing them over the child's closed eyes. Elevate her head with extra pillows while she sleeps to enable some of the swelling to drain. Encourage her to get more sleep if she has a cold. Provide sunscreen and sunglasses whenever she has to go out in the sun.
When to See a Doctor
If the dark circles remain after you treat what you think is the cause, you should consult your child's doctor to find out if there is something more serious going on. If there isn't, his doctor may prescribe a stronger medication to treat the cause.
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