Contrary to popular belief, a dark circle under one or both eyes is not typically due to fatigue or illness, reports the Mayo Clinic. A dark circle is defined as a round, uniform area of pigmentation under an eye. This mark can affect any race, ethnicity, males, females, and in some cases, children as well.
Common Causes
The most common causes of a dark circle appearing are allergies, eczema, genetics, nasal congestion, irregularities in skin color, too much sun and thinning skin. Lifestyle habits, like drinking, smoking and an abundance of caffeine, can also cause dark circles to appear.
What Are Dark Circles
In an article published in "The New York Times" in 2008 titled "Putting 'You Look Tired' To Rest," reporter Katie Zezima indicated that the most likely reason for chronic circles is excess pigmentation in the skin. Meaning, the body increases the production of melanin. Also, blood vessels beneath the skin can dilate---sometimes caused by a cold or allergies---making the area below the eyes look dark and puffy.
When It's a Symptom
Sometimes a dark circle is symptomatic of a medical problem. Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, a Board certified pediatrician, indicates that he is made many an allergy diagnosis based on this cosmetic flaw. Kids with a dark spot under one or both eyes could also suffer from nasal allergies, food allergies, hay fever, eczema and asthma.
Treatment
If you have a dark circle caused by allergies, taking an antihistamine can eliminate your symptoms. Cosmetic companies offer a variety of concealers for different skin tones that help minimize the appearance of circles. For a chronic problem, many people elect to have a minimally invasive procedure like injections or laser therapy that work by adding volume to the tissues and evening out the surface of the skin. Frank Meronk, Jr., MD, indicates that topical "bleaching creams, solutions, and gels interfere with the formation of new melanin and may be helpful." However, because an improvement may not be seen for several months, many patients give up before the agent has time to work.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, a dark circle is not a medical disorder. Most people are more bothered by the cosmetic implications. A dermatologist can help you choose a cosmetic treatment that could best mask or eliminate the problem. The Mayo Clinic suggests seeing your primary physician if a dark circle is only beneath one eye, swells, or gets worse in appearance. If your circle is caused by persistent allergies, an immunologist can work with you to find a treatment that decreases its effect on the skin under your eyes.
Member Comments