What health issues could cause dark circles around the eyes?

Dark circles around the eyes are very common in daily life. Severe dark circles can even affect one's appearance. What underlying issues might cause dark eye circles?

What Causes Dark Eye Circles?

Darkening of the eye area may be caused by staying up late or fatigue. With proper rest, adequate sleep, and avoidance of overexertion, the condition usually improves. You can also gently massage the skin around the eyes to promote local blood circulation, which helps gradually fade the dark circles. However, if dark circles persist for a long time, they might indicate an underlying medical condition.

In Western medicine, dark circles may be associated with endocrine and metabolic disorders, adrenal cortical dysfunction, cardiovascular diseases, microcirculatory problems, or chronic debilitating illnesses. In such cases, timely diagnosis and treatment at a正规 hospital are recommended. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) applies the "Five Wheel" theory, which associates the "Water Wheel" with the kidneys, and according to the Five Elements theory, black corresponds to the kidney. Hence, persistent dark circles may also be related to kidney deficiency.

When considering dark circles, treatment should first address the underlying cause. There are three main causes of dark circles. The first is congenital pigmentation, which appears early, covers a large area, and commonly develops during puberty, affecting both upper and lower eyelids. Genetic factors play a primary role, and treatment outcomes are generally limited. Topical or oral antioxidants and skin-brightening agents such as vitamin C and vitamin E may be tried. The second type is vascular, the most common form, occurring in adulthood. It results from poor blood flow and congestion in the lower eyelid due to fatigue or inadequate rest, creating a dark shadow. We hope this information helps you. Wishing you good health and happiness!