question-icon

What Causes Periorbital Dark Circles?

default
Posted on Sun, 3 Apr 2016
Twitter Sun, 3 Apr 2016 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 4 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : I have darkness (like a racoon) under both eyes. Is it melesma?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Not melasma

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have also reviewed the attachment.

This is not melasma. Melasma is commonly seen on malar area/prominences of cheeks rather than in periorbital area and is due to excess melanin deposition in epidermis with or without dermis.

Periorbital darkness is not due to excess pigment. Rather it is commonly due to a combination of factors like thin delicate skin in this region, congestion, stagnation/slow circulation leading to accumulation of deoxygenated hemoglobin, loss of periorbital supporting tissue leading to hollowness of orbits and sometimes also due to acanthosis nigricans.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 minute later)
Can it be from stress?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Stress is a factor

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Definitely, stress and lack of sleep can make dark circles more obvious/ prominent.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9599 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

186 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Periorbital Dark Circles?

Brief Answer: Not melasma Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I have gone through your query and i have also reviewed the attachment. This is not melasma. Melasma is commonly seen on malar area/prominences of cheeks rather than in periorbital area and is due to excess melanin deposition in epidermis with or without dermis. Periorbital darkness is not due to excess pigment. Rather it is commonly due to a combination of factors like thin delicate skin in this region, congestion, stagnation/slow circulation leading to accumulation of deoxygenated hemoglobin, loss of periorbital supporting tissue leading to hollowness of orbits and sometimes also due to acanthosis nigricans. Regards