Puffy eyes and dark circles under the eyes can give the appearance of someone who isn't getting enough sleep or is ill. For some people, eye sockets may give a shadowed appearance, which can look like dark circles. For other people, puffy eyes and dark circles may indeed be indications of sickness. If you find your eyes are puffy and you see dark circles under them when looking at a mirror, there are several treatments you can consider.
Identification
The most common reason for dark circles under the eyes is nasal congestion, according to the University of Michigan's C. S. Mott Children's Hospital. The nasal congestion blocks blood from flowing away from under the eyes, which causes veins under the eyes to become larger and darker. Treatments for nasal congestion include treatment for the underlying condition, which may be an allergy, sinus infection or a cold. Nasal decongestants and saltwater rinses may help to drain the nose.
Prevention
In some situations, changes to lifestyles may help to treat and prevent dark circles under the eyes and puffy eyes. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cold compress over the eyes can help to reduce puffiness and dark circles. The cold compress can be a washcloth with cold water. Getting enough sleep is another treatment. Seven to eight hours of sleep per night appears to be the correct amount of sleep for most adults. Elevating the head during sleep can help prevent fluids from accumulating around the eyes.
Treatment Types
If dark circles under the eyes and puffy eyes persist, consult a physician or dermatologist for further treatment options. In the case of people who have deep eye sockets, injectable fillers can help to reduce the effect of shadows. Chemical peels are treatments that remove layers of skin, causing new skin growth which can be tighter and smoother. Surgical procedures can eliminate the puffiness in eyelids.
Benefits
The benefits of removing dark circles under the eyes and puffy eyes include an improvement in appearance. People may not appear to be so sleep-deprived or sick. An improvement in appearance can help boost self-esteem.
Misconceptions
A tan may seem like a partial solution to dark circles under the eyes. According to the Mayo Clinic, the tan may provide a short-term solution, but in the long run, the extra pigmentation will make the dark circles worse.
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