Dark circles under your eyes could be a sign of a bigger issue

A tell-tale sign of tiredness and inadequate sleep is the formation of dark circles under the eyes. However, did you know that the bags under your eyes could signal certain medical conditions? Typically, you should not worry the dark patches under your eyes, but in some instances, you might want to consult your doctor.

Causes of dark circles under the eye

Dark circles form under your eyes when skin beneath both eyes looks darkened, usually turning blue, purple, brown or black depending on your skin colour, according to Cleveland Clinic. These are not the same as bruising around one eye due to injury or redness caused by an infection. The main cause of dark circles is tiredness and lack of sleep. Dermatologist, Dr Fatima Fahs explained to Newsweek the link between sleep and dark circles.

There's a reason why they call it 'beauty sleep'—lack of sleep can make the under-eye area look dark. This happens because the blood vessels under our eyes dilate from lack of sleep, and the thin skin can make this change pretty obvious.

Other lifestyle choices that make you look tired around the eyes include certain diets, especially those high in salt. Dr Fahs explains that high salt content in the body increases fluid retention, causing the under of your eyes to appear puffy.

Tobacco and seasonal allergies

People who use tobacco as well as smokers generally have less healthy skin. These habits could also contribute to the development of bags under your eyes. If you tend to have allergic reactions seasonally, especially in the springtime, you may notice your eyes getting puffier around those times. Dr Fahs adds:

Sinus congestion leads to even more congestion of the veins under the eyes and this causes the area to bulge and become puffy.

Other likely causes of dark circles under your eyes are thyroid disease and iron deficiency (anaemia).

Old age and genetics could also be the reason behind the dark patches under your eyes.

Sources used:

Newsweek: When Are the Dark Circles Under Your Eyes Not Down to Being Tired?

Mayo Clinic: Dark Circles Under Eyes

Cleveland Clinic: Dark Circles Under Eyes

Read more:

⋙ Here are some ways your body reacts when you're tired

⋙ Tired in the morning? It could be your shower habits

⋙ Exhaustion: How to tell the difference between being tired and experiencing fatigue