Bags and circles under the eyes can be annoying and difficult to hide.
However, in addition to the visual deficiencies of these problems, there is the possibility that they could be the result of more serious underlying medical conditions.
Eye bags or discoloration can be a warning sign that your body is trying to give you, although most of them are just signs of temporary problems such as lack of sleep or normal aging. In particular, it is conceivable that if under-eye problems worsen or persist, there may be more serious underlying causes.
To remove any unnecessary fear or worry, let’s first break down all the possible causes.
Blood vessels and thin skin
More blood vessels below the surface of the skin will be visible to the naked eye if your skin is thinner. Blue or violet wavelengths can pass through the periorbital area, which is the thin, sensitive skin under the eyes.
Result? Beneath your epidermis, the veins appear “dark.” Skin elasticity and collagen decrease with age, and the blood vessels underneath become prominent. But don’t worry, this bluish tint under the eyes is purely cosmetic and shouldn’t cause you any further worries.
Read more: This medical condition is more common in people with blue eyes.
Hyperpigmentation under the eyes
Unlike thin skin and prominent blood vessels, hyperpigmentation can be caused by a number of factors. It can develop gradually and either spontaneously or systematically. Below are the most common causes of hyperpigmentation:
Sun exposure
Pigmentation of genes
Dermatitis caused by allergies
Edema or swelling
Hormones
Aging
This hyperpigmentation can be caused by oxidized blood leaking from the blood vessels surrounding your eyes. How can you tell if this is happening? Edema or swelling under the eyes is a common symptom of dark, hyperpigmented under the eyes.
Fortunately, this disease is not very harmful to your health and is primarily treatable with diet and lifestyle changes.
Bags under the eyes
Bags, another name for puffiness under the eyes, are common in people of all ages. These pouches are often the result of an allergic reaction, illness, or excess fluid build-up when you’re young.
However, as you age, gravity weakens the collagen tissue in your thin skin under the eyes, causing the delicate skin to lose elasticity, sag and accumulate fat.
Although we often tend to blame enlarged bags under the eyes on a lack of sleep or rest, there is currently no concrete scientific evidence to support this theory. There is little evidence that lack of sleep is a direct cause of puffiness under the eyes, but it can make it worse, especially in the morning.
Under the eyes: Indication of possible health problems
Although problems under the eyes are mostly cosmetic and should not cause significant concern, they can also be a symptom of more serious internal health problems. In fact, one of the few outward manifestations of internal health problems can be your feet!
Keep in mind that if discoloration or swelling persists or worsens over time, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out any of the following problems.
See also: USC researchers announce ‘eye-opening’ dementia breakthrough.
Circulation problems
As previously mentioned, various medical conditions can cause bags and discoloration under the eyes. More seriously, however, insufficient circulation can be the cause! Try applying light pressure to the area where the dark circles appear to see if it’s a result of delayed blood flow. The cause is likely to be related to blood circulation if the area appears lighter after the finger is removed and gradually darkens again after a second or two.
Intolerant foods
The Mayo Clinic reports that allergic or hypersensitive reactions to specific foods can result in dark circles under the eyes. Anything from dairy products to other preservatives can be the cause. In fact, if you haven’t been able to figure it out, 140 known allergy-causing foods can be the cause of under-eye discoloration.
Iron deficiency
Although dark circles under the eyes do not in themselves indicate iron deficiency or anemia, you should have your iron levels checked with a complete blood count if you suffer from other symptoms such as fatigue, recurring colds, and dizziness.
Your body’s ability to deliver oxygen to cells is the link between iron deficiency and dark circles; if your iron level drops too low, your body’s ability to produce hemoglobin is limited. Result? Insufficient blood flow causing discoloration under the eyes!
In conclusion, although dark circles and bags under the eyes are often dismissed as simple cosmetic problems, they can sometimes indicate deeper health problems. Factors such as thinning of the skin, visibility of blood vessels, s and hyperpigmentation often cause discoloration under the eyes, and although they are usually harmless, they can signal an underlying condition if persistent or severe. Puffiness or bags under the eyes can be the result of lifestyle factors such as allergies or fluid retention, but age-related changes in skin texture are also common.Â
It is important to recognize when these cosmetic problems may be a symptom of something more serious, such as circulatory problems, food sensitivities,, or iron deficiency.
If discoloration or swelling persists or worsens over time, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out more serious conditions and ensure overall health. Addressing these issues early can help prevent complications and preserve your physical appearance and well-being.