What can cause dark circles under your eyes?

Dark circles under the eyes happen when the skin appears darkened and is usually caused by being tired. This is usually not a symptom of a medical issue. According to the Mayo Clinic, dark circles may actually be shadows cast by puffy eyelids or hollows under your eyes that develop as a normal part of aging. Common causes include:

• Allergies.

• Eczema.

• Contact dermatitis.

• Fatigue.

• Hay fever.

• Heredity.

• Skin pigment irregularities.

• Rubbing or scratching your eyes.

• Sun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

• Skin changes that happen with aging.

“If discoloration and swelling appear under just one eye and seem to get worse over time, talk to your primary care doctor,” recommends the Mayo Clinic. “If you want a more lasting solution than concealers and over-the-counter creams can provide, see a dermatologist for advice. Depending on what’s causing the circles under your eyes, your doctor may recommend prescription creams or a combination of treatments to erase or reduce discoloration. Laser therapy or chemical peels can be helpful in some cases. Hollows that cause shadows can be smoothed with injectable fillers, and surgery can eliminate puffy lids.”

The following measures can be used to treat mild to moderate dark circles:

• Use a cold compress.

• Sleep with your head elevated on two or more pillows.

• Get more sleep.