When your child experiences bluish-black or purple circles under her eyes, it's natural to be concerned about her health. While these dark circles are rarely a cause for serious medical concern, they can indicate an underlying condition, such as allergies or a mild cold. If the circles do not improve with time, however, this can indicate a more serious condition.
Significance
The area under the eyes is very delicate and thin, even in children. Blood vessels lie underneath the skin under the eye and can dilate if irritated or if the nose becomes congested due to the close proximity of the nasal cavity, according to Dr. J.W. Hull, fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, a pediatrician and author on his informational website dedicated to children's health. Not only can this area become darkened, it also can swell and retain fluid under the eyes. This causes the eyes to take on a dark, puffy appearance.
Expert Insight
Dark circles are not typically a cause for concern when they occur in children, according to Dr. Barton D. Schmitt, a pediatrician, consultant and author writing for Parents.com. According to Schmitt, the most common cause of dark circles is "congestion of the nose, when the veins around the eyes become larger and darker." Schmitt states that treating these allergies will likely lead to a reduction in dark circles under the eyes.
Causes
Enlarged tonsils or adenoids can also cause the blood vessels under the eyes of children to swell, according to Hull. These fleshy parts in the back of your child's mouth are responsible for catching particles and bacteria, but can become filled with bacteria, and enlarge. This results in a similar effect to nasal congestion, causing the blood vessels to dilate. If this occurs, you may notice your child breathing through her mouth instead of her nose, according to Schmitt.
Prevention/Solution
Applying a cold compress to your child's eyes for 10 minutes may help to reduce blood vessel dilation, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Keep the compress simple since you are treating a child--dip a washcloth in cold water and then lay it over your child's eyes, recommends Dr. Eric Donnenfield, associate professor of ophthalmology at North Shore University Hospital/Cornell Medical College in New York, in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Taking over-the-counter medications to reduce allergy symptoms may be appropriate if your child is old enough to begin taking medication. Avoidance of allergens also may help--if your child is allergic to pet dander, foods, grasses or pollens, avoidance of what makes your child ill may be helpful.
Considerations
In some instances, your child's dark circles may be due to genetics. If you or your partner have dark circles, it is likely that your child will as well, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." While this does not necessarily indicate a medical condition, a cold compress treatment can help to reduce your child's naturally dark under-eye area.
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