What causes dark circles under the eyes?
The most common cause of dark bluish circles under the eyes
is congestion of the nose. The veins from the eyes drain
into the veins of the nose. If the nose is blocked up, the
veins around the eyes become larger and darker. To
understand what's going on, we need to look at the nose.
These dark circles are sometimes called allergic shiners
because nasal congestion is usually caused by nasal allergy
or hay fever. Dark circles are also caused by chronic sinus
infections, recurrent colds, or blockage of the nose by
large adenoids. (If the dark circles are caused by large
adenoids, your child probably breathes mostly through his
mouth instead of his nose.) Dark circles under the eyes are
especially noticeable in children with fair complexions.
Overall, dark circles under the eyes are not a sign of poor
health or troubled sleep.
What is the treatment?
Treatment depends on the cause of the congestion.
See related topics for information about specific causes.
When should I call my child's health care provider?
Call during office hours if:
