Q: I’m 56 years old and over the past year have developed deep, dark circles under my eyes. I have regular doctor visits but age is what is attributed to these circles. I’m black with a medium complexion. My mom died at 99 and never had dark circles. I’m not diabetic, not hypertensive, but am a little overweight. I hope I’ve given you enough detail for your assistance and thank you for your services.
A: As you might expect, there are a number of conditions that cause dark circles to appear under the eyes. Initially, any medication that causes blood vessels to dilate can cause the area under the eyes to darken. The skin around the eyelids, referred to as periorbital skin, is extremely thin. In most instances, the area that appears darkened is simply visible blood vessels. Often, this is an inherited trait. When blood passes through large veins located near the surface of the skin, a blue tint can be apparent. And, the more transparent the skin, the darker the circles appear. Allergies such as from hay fever or foods may cause sufferers to rub the area for relief. This, too can result in an appearance of darkened eyes. Sun exposure that may be current or from years past can cause darkened areas, as can poor blood circulation. Kidney or liver issues and poor nutrition may be contributory. Anemia, specifically from a lack of iron may be to blame. Iron deficiency is the most common type of anemia. The key for physicians to make this determination is paleness of the skin. The aging process is a particularly common reason for circles to be noticeable. As people age their skin loses collagen, making it more translucent in appearance. When additional amounts of melanin are produced, a condition referred to as periorbital hyperpigmentation, the area under the eyes will take on a darker color. Speaking of periorbital hyperpigmentation, puffiness around the eyes is almost exclusively the result of a fluid buildup. We all have nights when we don’t sleep well or have stressful times. One visible sign of this occurrence is puffiness and darkened areas often referred to as “bags” under the eyes. And, the reverse can occur, as well. Individuals that sleep to excess may experience bags.
Cold compresses applied over the eyes often help relieve swelling and cause the constriction of blood vessels that will, in turn, prevent the flow of fluid into the tissues under your eyes. Some people even pass up the cold compress for cucumber slices, wet tea bags, raw potato slices and – believe it or not – hemorrhoid remedies. The latter has been reported to be used rather frequently by actors before appearing in public.
Vitamins, specifically vitamin K is purported to remove dark circles under the eyes by healing damaged capillaries in the skin and improving blood circulation. K can be obtained through eating most leafy green vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, and kale. Then there’s vitamin A that may remove dark circles because it contains anti-aging properties and helps protect against wrinkles and skin thinning. C will increase collagen, remove free radicals from the skin, and protect the skin against sun damage. Keep in mind that topical C is unstable, meaning that once it is exposed to the air, it will oxidize and become ineffective. L-ascorbic acid, a form of C, combined with K in a topical cream may be your best bet. E will help remove dark circles by regulating the A in your body and by protecting against free radicals. Lastly, a lack of mineral iron could be causing your dark circles.
I recommend that if you don’t already and with your physician’s approval, you purchase a good one-a-day vitamin supplement and review your diet to determine if that could be the cause of your dark circles. If you don’t receive the effect you want, speak with your primary care physician, have lab testing done to zero in on other issues, obtain sufficient quality sleep regularly, and plan to live as long as your mother did.
Readers who would like related information can order Dr. Gott’s Health Report “Vitamins & Minerals” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 US check or money order payable to Peter H. Gott, MD health Report, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title or print an order form from www.AskDrGottMD.com.
