Dark Circles Under the Eyes Could Be a Sign of Some Underlying Conditions, Expert Reveals

Dark circles under the eyes are common and often accompanied by eyebags. Having them usually invites unwanted comments and makes the person look tired even though they have enough sleep.

These dark circles are not a cause of alarm, but there are cases when tiredness is not the reason why a person may have them. Sometimes it could be a sign of an underlying health condition that a person may not know.

Causes of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dermatologist Dr. Fatima Fahs, the founder of Derry Doc Box, told Newsweek that one of the main causes of dark patches below the eyes is a lack of sleep. Having less sleep can make the under-eyes look dark because the blood vessels under the eyes dilate from lack of sleep, and the thin skin can show it visibly.

More so, the added effect of retained fluid in the under-eye causes additional puffiness, making the area a bit darker with prominent eye bags.

But a lack of sleep is one of the many reasons for the dark circles under the eyes. Dr. Fahs explained that high salt intake could increase fluid retention and cause puffiness below the eyes.

Also, tobacco use or smoking can cause horrible effects on the skin and contribute to the problem, especially because it reduces the skin's elasticity and cause the skin under the eye to be prematurely thin and age, making it look dehydrated.

Seasonal allergies are another reason for the dark under-eye. Some people experience worse dark circles under their eyes during springtime. Dr. Fahs said that sinus congestion leads to more congestion of the veins under the eyes, which causes them to become puffy.

But perhaps one of the reasons that many do not know is due to medical conditions. Dr. Fahs said that some medical conditions could result in dark circles under the eyes.

Some examples include thyroid issues and iron deficiency or anemia. She explained that thyroid disease could cause dark patches because of certain medications that cause fluid retention. Meanwhile, anemia can cause dark circles because the body cannot oxygenate tissues fully, making the skin appear darker.

Finally, genetics play a significant role in these dark patches. Some people are genetically disposed to develop dark circles under their eyes as they age. The skin under the eyes becomes looser and thinner, and the blood vessels become more visible, which makes the area look darker.

How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes

According to Healthline, there are at-home treatments and medical treatments that people could choose. For at-home treatments, methods could include applying a cold compress to reduce the swelling and shrink dilated blood vessels, getting enough sleep, elevating the head during sleep using a few pillows to prevent fluid from pooling under the eyes, and staying hydrated.

Meanwhile, applying soaked tea bags to closed eyes for 10 to 20 minutes may also help reduce liquid buildup under the skin, as it contains caffeine and antioxidants that help stimulate blood circulation. Eye creams could also help reduce the dark appearance of the skin under the eyes. But concealing it with makeup is also an option for an instant solution.

For a permanent solution, medical treatments are also available. But experts said that dark circles under the eyes are not something that has to be fixed, and there is nothing wrong with just leaving them alone.

Some medical treatments used to reduce the dark circles under the eyes are chemical peels to reduce pigmentations, laser surgery to resurface the skin and enhance skin tightening, medical tattoos, tissue fillers, fat removal, surgical implants, and carboxytherapy to increase blood flow.

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