Although a parent may think that dark circles around her child's eyes are a sign of poor health or lack of sleep, neither are usually the case. There are many causes for dark eye circles, most of which are common and easy to remedy. Because dark circles can cause embarrassment or self esteem issues in children, it is important to understand why dark circles occur and how they can be treated.
Appearance
Pediatrician Jeffrey W. Hull of the DrHull website explains that dark circles around the eyes may appear dark bluish in color. The color is usually the result of blood and fluid pooled in the veins and tissues beneath the eye. Puffiness may accompany the discoloration around the eyes, creating bags. This can cause the skin surrounding the eyes to appear paler than it actually is.
Causes
Aetna's InteliHealth website says nasal congestion is the most common cause of dark circles around the eyes of kids. This is usually due to allergies. Some doctors have even nicknamed this condition "allergic shiners." Frequent colds and chronic sinusitis may also increase the flow of blood beneath the eyes, creating dark rings. Eczema can cause the skin beneath the eyes to thin, making the veins more noticeable. In addition, heredity can be the cause of dark circles.
Treatment
Holding a cold compress, like a washcloth, to the eyes may help the blood vessels to constrict so that the dark appearance of eye circles is less noticeable. "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II" says this may need to be done as symptoms persist for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. If allergies are the suspected cause, try to find out what exactly is causing the allergy. Common offenders are dust, pet dander, pollen and foods. Try to eliminate contact with the allergen.
Coping
Dark circles around the eyes can be embarrassing to some kids, especially adolescents and teens. "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II" recommends helping the child conceal the dark circles with makeup. This can be done while waiting for the treatment to work. Some cosmetics, like Dermablend and Clinique Continuous Cover, are designed to cover black eyes and dark eye circles. This can make them especially helpful in masking dark under-eye circles.
When to See a Doctor
If colds or illness are persistent, a child may need to be taken to a doctor. The InteliHealth website warns that a doctor should be consulted if a child has chronic nasal congestion, has problems with snoring badly through the night, breathes through his mouth most often or has persistent irritation of the skin. Dr. Jeffrey W. Hull says that these could be signs of enlarged adenoids or tonsils or other medical issues.
References
- Dr.Hull: "Dark Circles" Under the Eyes
- Aetna InteliHealth: Ask The Expert
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies II"; Prevention Magazine Editors; 1995
Member Comments