eye bags

Everyone has at some point in their life eye bags or. Eye rims. These indicate how we are feeling. However, dark circles can also be warning signs of certain deficiency symptoms or diseases.

What are dark circles?

Dark circles or rims under the eyes are mostly dark, bluish or shady areas under the eyes. Diseases and disorders of the general well-being are not always responsible for dark circles.

The skin around the eyes is very thin and has very little subcutaneous fat. Therefore blood vessels can show through strongly. Under certain conditions, so-called dark circles or haloed eyes, as they are also called in medical terminology, form.

Dark circles under the eyes are dark or shady areas below the eyes. Sometimes dark circles appear in combination with bags under the eyes. The skin hangs down slack and can form large wrinkles.

causes

There are numerous causes for the formation of dark circles. First of all, they indicate the blood flow to the tissue; sometimes a trained doctor can also estimate from the degree of discoloration to what extent the composition of the blood has changed.

One of the most common reasons for dark circles is simply that they are innate. Many people are particularly sensitive in the area of ​​the eyes and are therefore naturally prone to shading. Furthermore, dark circles indicate tiredness, but also the excessive consumption of alcohol and other drugs.

Dark circles can also be an indication of deficiency symptoms: A test for iron deficiency, which is particularly common in women, can provide clarity. However, the lack of certain vitamins or a disruption of the melanin balance are also possible causes.

Also often, dark circles appear as the first sign of unpleasant conjunctivitis. Last but not least, dark circles are often simply a result of aging: the skin is slack as muscles and cushioning fat gradually break down over the years. In people with deeper-set eyes and in unfavorable lighting conditions (e.g. neon light), it can also appear as if there are dark circles under the eyes in those affected, although this is not medically the case.

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Diseases with this symptom

• Stomach porter constriction
• Drug addiction
• Alcohol addiction
• Heavy metal poisoning

• Dehydration
• Drug allergy
• Contact allergy
• Nicotine addiction

• Hyperpigmentation
• Neurodermatitis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Malnutrition

Diagnosis & course

You can see dark circles immediately. They are mainly caused by the increased blood flow to the skin or by a changed blood composition. A lack of oxygen, for example, makes blood appear dark, which is why you get dark circles if you have drunk too much alcohol or if you get tired.

Both conditions are associated with a decrease in the oxygen content in the blood. Since there can be many reasons for the development of dark circles, the correct diagnosis is often difficult. Anyone who discovers dark circles in themselves after sitting in front of the computer for a few hours without interruption or admitting too much alcohol the evening before should find it easy to blame.

Complications

The dark circles (med: halo) are a common phenomenon in the general population. Dark circles in themselves have no disease value. They can only point out certain illnesses or conditions, for example a lack of oxygen or malnutrition. In most cases, however, they are caused by acute lack of sleep. Thus, dark circles do not lead to serious complications. Medically, the dark circles are not a problem that needs to be resolved.

For those affected by the dark circles, however, the dark circles often represent a cosmetic flaw. This is the only 'problem' that the dark circles bring with them. Ultimately, however, it must be said that in the narrower sense there are no known complications caused by dark circles. The well-being of the affected person can be reduced for a short time, as the dark circles can subjectively disturb the external appearance. Normally, however, dark circles disappear again relatively quickly. Applying make-up and thus covering the dark circles is also possible.

In summary, it can be said that dark circles should not be seen as a medical problem, but as a purely cosmetic problem. They have no disease value, nor can they lead to medical complications. Dark circles themselves are a harmless phenomenon that in most cases disappears by itself after a short time. "Cosmetic complications" can easily be covered up with make-up; Otherwise, it is sufficient to wait until the dark circles have disappeared by themselves.

When should you go to the doctor?

Often dark circles under the eyes are a sign of fatigue. After enough sleep, the skin color returned to normal. The dark circles can also be a harbinger of a disease. Infectious diseases and colds are often announced in this way. In any case, the cause must be investigated.

Under-eye circles cannot really be removed with cosmetic aids, because make-up only covers the dark shadows. If the skin under the eyes has a bluish, brown or purple sheen for more than a week, a doctor should be consulted. He also has to examine the dark circles if the discoloration worsens. Although the skin around the eyes is very thin, so that the fine veins are more easily recognizable than on other skin areas, a healthy person should still not show dark shadows.

If the dark circles do not go away with cooling, a blood count is appropriate. In addition to colds, allergies and dehydration, kidney and thyroid diseases can also be the cause of dark circles. They can indicate iron deficiency or be the symptom of serious liver disease. In this case, the skin under the eyes shimmers yellowish-brown.

Even children can have dark circles. They are usually the result of a gastrointestinal infection or a cold. In the case of diffuse symptoms, those affected should always have a doctor checked out.

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Treatment & Therapy

Depending on the cause, dark circles are treated very differently. If they are genetic or a symptom of old age, creams and cures with vitamin ampoules, which are massaged directly into the affected area, help. As a first aid measure, placing a wet bag with black tea on the affected areas has proven itself. You let it move in for a while and the dark circles are gone or alleviated for the time being.

Ice cubes or ice packs can also help, as this causes the blood vessel capillaries to contract under the eyes. Thus the blood-red surface is reduced. In addition, the eye area feels fresher and younger. However, the ice cubes should only be placed for a short time and not directly on the eyes (hypothermia and risk of injury).

Switching to a healthier lifestyle is very helpful. Above all, those affected should avoid cigarettes and alcohol and drink plenty of mineral water. A healthy, vitamin-rich and natural diet should go without saying. In addition, sufficient sleep should be ensured. A healthy adult usually needs about 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night, of which the deep sleep phases are the most important. Those who regularly go to bed in the early hours of the morning no longer dive into this sleep time, also known as the REM phase, and accordingly do not recover enough. A lack of sleep in turn results in dark circles - a vicious circle.

Otherwise, dark circles can be visually corrected with special concealer pens and make-up. However, an iron or vitamin deficiency can only be diagnosed with the help of a blood test. If the dark circles persist for a longer period of time and you also notice other physical complaints (for example persistent tiredness despite adequate sleep), this could indicate a deficiency.

As soon as this is determined, tablets or injections help the body and the dark circles disappear again. If you are unsure, you should consult your family doctor.

Outlook & forecast

Dark circles are usually caused by tiredness and the resulting strong blood flow to the area under the eyes. The natural method of sleep should always be used to treat dark circles. While sleeping, the eyes are recovered and the dark circles are reduced.

There are also various creams or eye masks that can reduce dark circles. These should be used when there is no way to sleep a lot and thus to let the dark circles disappear naturally.

As a rule, the circles under the eyes are not dangerous to the body and do not lead to further problems or discomfort. They can also simply be covered with make-up, which could be particularly beneficial for people with light skin types.

Dark circles are also affected by the use of backlit digital devices. If you can reduce this use, you will also directly reduce the dark circles, as they are triggered by these devices. This also includes the use of the computer.

With long-term use and too little sleep, the dark circles will remain and will not go away on their own.

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prevention

Home remedies ↵ for dark circles Around Dark circles To prevent this, we recommend a healthy diet, adequate sleep and plenty of exercise in the fresh air. The latter leads to a higher oxygen content in the blood, which makes it appear lighter. Alcohol and cigarettes should be avoided as much as possible.

TV and computer consumption should also be restricted. A cool face shower in the morning will also help you look more rested.

You can do that yourself

You can effectively counter dark circles with home remedies and your own measures. First of all, it is advisable to remove the dark shadows with sufficient fluids, sleep and a balanced diet with vitamins and minerals. Mineral therapy with Schuessler salts helps with major deficiency symptoms and restores the natural color of the eye rims.

In addition, you should avoid excessive cigarette and alcohol consumption and strenuous activities before going to bed. In general, the body should be relieved by sufficient fresh air and exercise. People who spend a lot of time in front of the screen can reduce their discomfort by taking regular breaks and doing relaxation exercises. Local home remedies such as cucumber slices, tea bags or cold compresses cool the dark circles and promote blood circulation. Milk, rose water or fresh fig juice are also suitable, depending on the cause, to treat dark circles yourself.

If the dark circles are accompanied by red ears, there may be an iron deficiency - supplements and foods such as grains and vegetables replenish the stores. In the event of an allergy or intolerance, it is sufficient to avoid corresponding foods and substances. If the above measures are unsuccessful, the cause should be clarified by a doctor.