Dark circles under the eyes can make a person look old, tired or ill. But those unsightly circles are usually the result of conditions other than age and fatigue. A June 12, 2008 article in the New York Times cites several causes for dark circles. They include excessive pigmentation in the skin around the eyes, and, as noted by Weill Cornell Medical Center dermatologist Dr. Diane Berson, dark circles are usually the result of "a combination of heredity and genetics." The Mayo Clinic also suggests several medical reasons for dark circles to form under the eyes, such as a allergies, nasal congestion and even eczema.
Pigmentation
Too much pigmentation around the eyes or anywhere on the body can make anyone self-conscious. Blacks, Asians and other people of color have a higher risk of pigment irregularities. The New York Times story also notes that sun exposure exacerbates dark circles. Few cosmetic products have been able to address the problem of excess pigmentation, but procedures such as laser treatments to destroy pigment cells or injection procedures to plump up areas under the eyes have proved successful, though they are expensive.
Allergies and Sinus Problems
Even children with allergies can develop dark circles. And while there aren't specific allergens that lead to dark circles, doctors say that the results of allergies can cause sinus congestion. When the sinuses are congested, the veins around the sinuses and eyes become enlarged. And because the veins around the eyes are so close to the surface, dark circles become more noticeable when they become enlarged.
Heredity
Dark circles under the eyes can run in families, as Dr. Berson points out. And if your parents or other relatives have dark circles under their eyes, you may find that you develop dark circles at an earlier age than most people. If you come from a family where dark circles were prevalent and your circles haven't developed yet, you may want to look into some of the treatment options earlier rather than later.
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