Dark Circles & Puffiness Under Eyes

While dark circles or puffy eyes are not generally cause for medical concern, they are unsightly and can make you look tired, ill, or lethargic. Luckily, there are things you can try at home to reduce or even eliminate both conditions; however beyond home remedies, there are limited options available to patients for treatment. Please be aware, however, that if these conditions persist, cause discomfort, or present with other symptoms, that you should consult your physician for professional care.

Dark Circles--Causes

Dark circles under the eye are caused by either an increase in capillary fluid beneath the eye, or a thinning or deterioration of skin the same area. Either of these conditions can be caused by allergies, pigmentation irregularities, heredity, or even simply as a matter of aging, according to an article on the Wiley Interscience website. Due to varying causes for this condition, it has been difficult to determine any one specific treatment for patients.

Dark Circles--Treatment

By understanding the causes of dark circles, you can postulate some treatments. If it is a matter of pigmentation irregularity, try a store-bought facial cream that reduces dark circles. These are not cure-all creams, however they do contain a depigmenting agent that may help to even out your skin tone. If it is a matter of dilated capillaries, try a cool compress of cucumber slices or used teabags to restrict those blood vessels, according to the textbook, "Cosmetic Dermatology," by Leslie Baumann.

Puffiness--Causes

Puffiness beneath the eye is caused by an accumulation of either fluid or fatty tissue beneath the eye. In the case of fatty deposits, it is generally a simple factor of aging. As you age, the tissue around the eye begins to deteriorate. The tissue holding fat in place around the eye can wear, loosing the fatty tissue, which settles beneath the eye. In the case of fluid, the causes include alcohol hangovers, fluid retention from sodium-high diets and simple tiredness, according to an article by Eye Care Source.

Puffiness--Treatment

When puffy eyes are caused by fluid retention, there are a number of things you can try. Lowering sodium in your diet, placing cucumbers or tea bags on the eyes to restrict the vessels, or even simple rest can alleviate the inflammation in the area. In the case of fatty deposits, most cases can be treated by a simple surgery called a blepharoplasty, in which a surgeon creates an incision beneath the eyelid and removes the fatty deposits and any sagging skin, as described by the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

Remember that dark circles or puffiness are not generally a cause for medical concern. However, in the case of puffy eyes, be aware that if it presents with other symptoms, such as itching or discomfort, or pain in other areas of the body, it can be cause for more concern. Puffy eyes may also be the symptom of an allergic reaction. If either situation is the case, you should seek professional medical advice. In most cases however, dark circles or puffy eyes will simply be a cosmetic concern, and with a few simple home remedies should alleviate, making you look younger, refreshed, and well cared for.