Dark Eye Spots

Dark Eye Spots
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Having imperfections, particularly on the face, can be distressing for either gender. Dark spots can appear in the soft tissue under one or both eyes. They look like discolorations and are not usually raised. They are not painful, but most people find them unsightly. They can vary in size and depth of color.

Theories/Speculation

There are many causes for dark eye spots. It can be something as simple as a blackhead, where the pores of the skin are becoming blocked. If this is the case, in time the dark spots will become raised as the pore fills with sebum and expands. Other possible causes include hormone imbalance, birthmarks, poor diet, allergies, overexposure to the sun, or age. Dark spots can be the result of lack of sleep, although this usually causes dark circles rather than individual spots.

Misconceptions

Although dark eye spots probably are not cancerous, you should have a doctor rule out that possibility before attempting any treatments.

Solutions

Your doctor can help you identify the cause of your dark spots and determine a treatment. Often it takes a long time to treat any change in the pigment of the skin. As an alternative, you can try some of the skin bleaching creams available on the market; make sure the cream you choose is safe to use around the eye area. Makeup concealers will help camouflage dark spots. Laser therapy also could be a treatment.

Prevention

Prevention of dark spots also depends on the cause. If they are hereditary, there is little you can do. If they have an environmental cause, use sunscreen and moisturizer as a preventative. If the cause is oil build up, using the proper cleansing products can help. Always be careful not to cause damage to the blood vessels around your eyes.

Effects

If the dark spots are not the result of cancer or another illness, their effect is mostly emotional. However, because they are on your face, they can cause damage to your self-esteem.

References

Article reviewed by Alison Gaynor Last updated on: Dec 20, 2011

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