By
Medicover Hospitals /
10 March 2022
What are dark circles under your eyes?
Dark circles often look purple, blue, or dark brown which forms around the eyes. The colour of the circle depends on the colour of the skin. Having dark circles under the eyes is common and rarely something to worry about, but for cosmetic reasons, many people want to get rid of dark circles. People often associate dark circles with tiredness or lack of sleep. While these can contribute to the appearance of dark circles, there are other common causes, such as poor diet or sun exposure.
Types of Dark Circles
These are classified based on clinical analysis, pigmentation pattern, and vasculature.
| Types | Appearance |
| Pigmented (P) | Like the shade of brown under the eyes |
| Vascular (V) | A shade of blue/pink/purple color +/- swelling |
| Structural(s) | shadow tone Associated with bags and furrows of the lower eyelid Fat loss with bony prominence. |
| mixed type | Combination of 2 or 3 of the above (PV, PS, PVS, etc) |
What causes dark circles under eyes?
Dark circles under the eyes can be caused by a variety of conditions, including inflammation, allergies, and lifestyle factors. If symptoms persist, contact the doctor.
Some medical conditions can cause dark circles and discoloration under the eyes, including:
- Allergies
- Anemia
- Atopic Dermatitis (eczema), or contact dermatitis
- Dehydration
- Lichen planus
- Malnutrition
What medical treatment options are available to treat dark circles under the eyes?
- To diagnose the underlying cause of dark circles under the eyes, the doctor will take a complete medical history, perform an exam, and possibly order a test.
- The doctor may look for signs of underlying problems, such as thyroid disease or anemia.
- A doctor may use a handheld dermatoscopy tool to closely examine the skin.
- They may perform blood tests to check the blood cell count, blood chemistry, nutritional status, and certain hormone levels.
Lifestyle and general causes of dark circles under the eyes
Treatment of Dark Circles
- Skin lightening cream : To lighten hyperpigmentation under the eyes, a dermatologist may prescribe a skin lightening cream with azelaic acid, kojic acid, glycolic acid, or hydroquinone.
- Fillers : Reduce the appearance of dark circles by injecting platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid gel into the under-eye area. This treatment is best for dark circles caused by skin thinning or collagen loss.
- Chemical Peels : A dermatologist may suggest a light chemical peel to lighten dark pigmentation under the eyes. Commonly these will include glycolic acid, retinoic acid or hydroquinone.
- Blepharoplasty : This procedure can diminish the shadow cast by the eyelid, which can diminish the appearance of dark circles by removing fat from under the eyes.
- Laser therapy : uses thermal energy to vaporize damaged cells. Darker pigment under the eyes can be treated. In addition to lightening darker skin tones, laser therapy can induce new collagen formation.
Prevention of Dark Circles
- The researchers found that stress increased the appearance of dark circles, while rest and healthy lifestyle habits decreased discoloration.
- Wearing sunglasses with UV protection that cover the eyes and using sunscreen around the eyes can help prevent or reduce dark circles.
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can speed up the body's aging process and increase the risk of dark circles under the eyes.
- Apply cold compresses to the eyes to reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels
- Sleeping with extra pillows to elevate the head and reduce puffiness in lower eyelids
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are dark circles permanent? How to get rid of dark circles under eyes?
Dark circles will likely become more visible and permanent over time. This is because as people age, their skin loses collagen and becomes thinner and more translucent. Get adequate sleep, Apply cold compressing, Minimize sun exposure, Use a retinol face cream, Stay adequately hydrated, Take a nutritious diet, stay away from junk food.
2. Can dark circles be cured?
Dark circles can be cured with numerous home remedies and medical treatments.
3. How much does it cost to remove dark circles?
The cost of a dark circle peel treatment in India ranges from Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 5,000 per session and laser treatment costs around Rs. 4,000.
4. What causes blackness under the eyes?
Dark circles under the eyes are usually caused by tiredness.
5. How to remove dark circles under eyes permanently?
Eating foods rich in vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E can help reduce dark circles under the eyes.
6. How long does it take to recover from dark circles?
Dark circles should disappear in 10 to 14 days.
7. What causes dark circles around the eyes in adults?
Dark circles around the eyes in adults may stem from a range of factors such as genetics, ageing, dehydration, allergies, sun exposure, and certain medical conditions like eczema or thyroid disorders. Lack of sleep, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking can also play a role in their development. Furthermore, thinning skin and reduced collagen and fat around the eyes can accentuate blood vessels, resulting in dark circles. It is crucial to pinpoint the root cause to establish the best treatment plan.
