Dark circle around the eyes

Gbex says: The skin around the eyes is very lax with loose connective tissue beneath, which makes flooding of the area with blood cells (which leave the dark pigment when they depart) a common occurrence. Hence a permanent cure is not possible in dark circles around the eyes.

The Causes for Dark Circles around the Eyes

Following are the most common causes for the periorbital melanosis.

1.Racial and familial predisposition. Dark circles around the eyes run in families.
2.Following trauma.
3.Chemical pigmentation: Mercury or silver preparations, chrysiasis due to gold therapy in arthritis.
4.Grey discoloration following long term treatment with minocycline.
5.Following inflammatory diseases,e.g.eczema, lichen planus.
6.Following acute illnesses, like viral hepatitis, chickenpox, typhoid etc.
7.Hormone induced melanosis due to other causes, as in acanthosis nigricans and Addison’s disease.
8.Eye strain caused by exhaustion of the periorbital muscles as a result of prolonged reading, computer and TV watching.
9.Lack of proper sleep and rest.
10.General weakness.
11.Liver diseases, Addison’s disease.
12.Excess sleeping.
13.Sinusitis, especially frontal.
14.Headaches.
15.Stress and emotional instability.
16.Idiopathic: When no cause could be found.

The pigmentation in periorbital melanosis is due to the extension of the so called pigmentary demarcation lines, triggered by any of the above causes. The pigment deposition may brown, dark brown, black, bluish black or even dark grey depending upon the causes and depth of deposition. The pigmentation may extend to the eyelids or down to the cheeks.