Causes of Dark Circles Under The Eye

The most common reason given for this is heredity. They are like so many other physical imperfections, such as spider veins and freckles, and are given to us genetically. The medical reason behind this cause is that people inherit their ancestors weak skin capillaries around their eyes. Another genetic trait that can make these more noticeable is how transparent a person's skin is. Or perhaps the genetic reason is inherited allergies, which also cause DC. Either way if you inherit this disease, prevention may be a mute point or it might be more important to research treatment possibilities even before it will appear.

Allergies

The second most common cause of dark circle is allergies. When a person endures an allergic reaction, antibodies are sent to where the allergy has affected the body. This process releases histamines into the body. These histamines actually cause puffy, itchy and watery eyes, among other problems. Typically the dark circle are a result of rubbing the irritated area but sometimes it may simply be a side effect of the allergies themselves. There are specific and proven food allergies that cause dark circles including dairy, wheat, soy, yeast and egg whites. Obviously, avoiding these foods if you have a reaction to them will take care of the DC caused by this issue.

Sleep Issues

When you first spot someone with puffy eyes, it is natural to assume they are suffering from a lack of sleep. Sleep deprivation is a common cause of dark circles and a tell tale sign that someone is either an insomniac or not getting enough sleep. A good night's sleep is imperative for good health, great skin and avoiding this altogether. Frequently all it takes to get rid of dark blemishes is to get a long, uninterrupted and deep night of rest. There are lots of techniques and medications that can be used to encourage this type of sleep and there are professionals who specialize in sleep deprivation.

Dehydration

A lack of liquids is another common reason for dark circles. Dehydration is the excessive loss of water from an individual's body. This lack of water is another cause of dark blemishes. Most people do not drink enough water during the day and water is what we are all mostly made up of. This has a simple solution. Be certain you are drinking enough water each day. Six to eight glasses is the recommended standard. Proper hydration will help your health, your skin, and your tendency to suffer from this. Also look into hydrating or moisturizing eye creams to help return water to the area.

Aging

When you get older, there are some changes that just come with the territory. One of those is the presence of dark circles. If you keep your skin healthy and avoid the other causes of DC you can delay them for a while. Eventually you will have to deal with them because they are a natural part of the aging process.

Stress

Stress is a killer. In fact, there are so many different diseases, illnesses and medical problems that list stress as a symptom or a cause. DC/Dark circles are another issue that can point the finger at stress as its master. Stress makes our bodies freak out. They get tense, our muscles contract, our stomachs get ulcers and a variety of other physical ailments. People make themselves physically sick and the DC are just a natural conclusion. There are dozens of different ways to tackle stress. Fortunately many of them are fairly affordable. Stress is avoidable but you have to recognize you have a problem with it and dedicate yourself to finding the best way to relieve it.

Illness

Sometimes DC can be an indication of a more serious problem. These DC can be a sign of a liver or kidney problem. Of course, of all the causes for DC this might be the most worrisome but it is also one of the least common. If you have dealt with all the other causes and genetics aren't a problem, or if you are spending too much time worrying about it, talk to your physician about your concerns. It makes no sense to make yourself sick with worry when a doctor could tell you for certain whether or not your kidneys or liver are at risk.

Rubbing

Some of the above causes, such as allergies or sleep deprivation, may cause someone to frequently rub their eyes. The actual rubbing of a person's eyes can cause dark circles or make already visible blemishes look worse. Ways to discourage rubbing is to take particular notice when you have a cold, hay fever or allergies and keep your hands away from your eyes. Treat whatever allergy or illness with medication to make the itchy eye problem less pronounced. Avoid squinting and staring at small words or pictures and monitors to avoid rubbing to clear your vision. This particular cause may be annoying but is easily remedied.