What Do Dark Circles Under Eyes Mean?

Having dark circles under your eyes may make you look tired, haggard and older than you really are. Dark circles under your eyes may be a result of personal habits, certain types of skin conditions or heredity, or may be symptoms of certain illnesses or infections. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic about the meaning of dark circles under your eyes.

Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors such as not getting enough sleep, using tobacco or consuming high amounts of caffeine can cause dark circles under your eyes that may go away after decreasing those behaviors.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammation of your skin that can cause dark circles around your eyes from patchy areas of discoloration and flaking.

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion from colds or sinus infections can enlarge the veins around your eyes and nose and result in dark circles and swelling around your eyes.

Pigmentation Disorders

Disorders of the pigmentation of your skin may cause you to develop dark circles under your eyes, especially if you are of Asian or African descent.

Too Much Sunlight

Excessive exposure to sunlight may cause you to develop dark circles under your eyes as a result of your body making more melanin, which darkens your skin.

Aging

As you get older, your skin may become thinner and lose its color, making the veins under your eyes look darker.

Heredity

Having close relatives such as a parent or sibling with dark eye circles may increase your risk of having them also.

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Circles Under Your Eyes

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