If you have recently noticed dark-blue or purplish circles under your child's eyes, you may be wondering if you should be concerned. While dark, undereye circles are generally considered an adult problem, states the Mayo Clinic, children can experience them, as well. Although the circles are typically not a sign of a more serious condition, it is important to consider your child's additional symptoms to determine the cause.
Nasal Congestion
When your child's nasal passages become congested, this can cause swelling of the sinus cavities located directly under the eyes. This puts added pressure on the blood vessels that surround the eyes, causing them to swell. When the veins swell, they are brought closer to the thin undereye skin, which can cause your child to have noticeable blue or black swelling underneath the eyes. If your child experiences chronic sinus infections or colds, the dark circles could be the reflection of this frequent illness. According to "Parents" magazine, treating your child for sinus pain and pressure should cause the dark circles to reduce or go away altogether.
Enlarged Adenoids
The adenoids are spongy structures located in the back of the throat that are designed to collect harmful irritants before they can enter the body. However, when the adenoids become exposed to more irritants than they can filter or a harmful bacteria or virus, they can swell and become infected. This can cause your child problems, such as a sore throat. Because the adenoids are in such close proximity to your child's eyes, dark circles can appear due to inflammation and dilation of the blood vessels.
In addition to a sore throat or dark circles, an additional sign your child may be suffering from enlarged adenoids is if you observe he is frequently breathing through his mouth, notes "Parents" magazine. Because enlarged adenoids may obstruct the nose, your child may compensate by breathing through his mouth.
Lack Of or Poor Sleep
While many adults may associate dark, undereye circles with spending too many nights up late, this generally is not the case for children, explains AboutKidsHealth. However, just because it is a very rare occurrence for dark, undereye circles to be due to lack of sleep does not mean this cannot occur in some instances. If your child is prone to nightmares or night terrors or has difficulty falling or staying asleep, any of these could indicate that the dark circles are due to a lack of sleep.
If your child does not have any other symptoms related to allergy problems, such as sniffling, sneezing, runny eyes, etc., and displays symptoms more associated with sleeplessness, such as difficulty concentrating or falling asleep during the day, these symptoms could indicate that the dark circles are due to lack of sleep.
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