View source for Periorbital dark circles

[[Image:periorbital darkness.jpg|Dark circles under a male's eyes.|thumb]]
[[Image:Dark circles (cropped).png|thumb|286px|Minor dark circles, in addition to a hint of [[eye bags]], a combination mainly suggestive of minor [[sleep deprivation]].]]
'''Periorbital dark circles''' (or just '''dark circles''') are dark blemishes around the [[eye]]s. There are many causes of this symptom, including  [[heredity]] and [[bruising]].<ref name="pmid12838159">{{cite journal |author= |title=What causes the dark circles that sometimes appear under my eyes? |journal=Mayo Clinic women's healthsource |volume=7 |issue=6 |pages=8 |year=2003 |pmid=12838159 }}</ref> 

==Causes==
===Heredity===
In most cases, the dark circles under the eyes are blood vessels that can be seen through the skin. The skin around the eyelids (periorbital skin) is the thinnest skin in the body (around 0.5mm thick compared with 2mm in other areas). Like [[varicose veins]], dark circles under the eyes are usually an [[inherited]] trait{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}. When blood passes through the large veins close to the surface of the skin, it can produce a bluish tint. The more transparent the skin—also an inherited trait—the darker the circles appear. In people with a deep-set bone structure, shadowing can also contribute to the dark color under the eyes.

===Allergies, asthma, and eczema===
Any condition that causes the eyes to itch can contribute to darker circles due to rubbing or scratching the skin around them. [[Hay fever]] sufferers in particular will notice under-eye "smudges" during the height of the allergy season. Some food allergies can also cause the area under the eyes to appear darker.

===Medications===
Any medications that cause blood vessels to [[vasodilation|dilate]] can cause circles under the eyes to darken. Because the skin under the eyes is very delicate, any increased blood flow shows through the skin.

===Anemia===
The lack of nutrients in the diet, or the lack of a balanced diet, can contribute to the discoloration of the area under the eyes. It is believed that a lack of mineral iron can cause dark circles as well. Iron deficiency is the most common type of [[anemia]] and this condition is a sign that not enough oxygen is getting to the body tissues.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

The skin can also become more pale during [[pregnancy]] and [[menstruation]] (due to lack of iron), allowing the underlying veins under the eyes to become more visible.

===Fatigue===

A lack of sleep or excessive tiredness can cause paleness of the skin, allowing the blood underneath the skin to become more visible and appear bluer or darker.{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}}

===Age===
Dark circles are likely to become more noticeable and permanent with age. This is because as people get older, their skin loses collagen, becoming thinner and more translucent. Circles may also gradually begin to appear darker in one eye than the other as a result of some habitual facial expressions, such as an uneven smile.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}

===Periorbital hyperpigmentation===
{{Main|Periorbital hyperpigmentation}}
''Periorbital hyperpigmentation'' is the official name for when there is more [[melanin]] produced around the eyes than is usual, giving them a darker color.

==Treatment==
Although to date, there has been no end-all to curing or reducing dark circles, there are many home-made ingredients that can help make the dark circles less visible. It is said that putting [[teabag]]s under the eyes, application of a slice of raw cucumber under the eyes, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting a lot of rest can suffice.<ref>http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-under-eye-bags.html</ref>  

Applying an eye cream that contains [[vitamin K]] and [[retinol]] is also thought to help. Recent research has shown that skin creams containing these two ingredients reduce puffiness and discoloration significantly in many patients. Long-term daily use seems to have the greatest effect.<ref>Wikihow http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Black-Circles-Under-Your-Eyes#Steps</ref> [[Make-up]] can also be used to change the coloration of any exposed skin. Some dermatologists may recommend a hydroquinone solution often mixed in an oil free moisturizer that acts like a skin bleach; it has been shown to have results in some people after a few months of daily use.

==See also==
*[[Periorbital puffiness]]

== References ==
<references/>

{{DEFAULTSORT:Eye Circles}}
[[Category:Eye]]
[[Category:Symptoms]]

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