What Causes Periorbital Dark Circles?
Posted on
Sun, 3 Apr 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 3 Apr 2016
Answered on
Sat, 4 Jun 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : I have darkness (like a racoon) under both eyes. Is it melesma?
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
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
Can it be from stress?
Brief Answer:
Stress is a factor
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Definitely, stress and lack of sleep can make dark circles more obvious/ prominent.
Regards
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
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