What Causes Dark Circles?

Brown or grey-brown colour often reflects extra pigment around the eyes. A blue or purple tone may be more noticeable when thin skin allows underlying vessels to show. A hollow beneath the lower eyelid can create a shadow that changes with lighting, while puffiness can deepen that shadow. Eczema or atopic dermatitis may add dryness, inflammation, and rubbing, which can gradually make the area look darker.

Sleep loss, dehydration, allergies, and illness can make shadows or vessels look more prominent, but dark circles alone do not identify one specific cause. A clinician can examine colour, texture, swelling, and facial structure together.

Use a gentle cleanser and moisturiser around the eyes, avoid rubbing, and protect the area from sunlight with sunglasses and a suitable sunscreen used carefully away from the eyes. Treating nasal allergies or eyelid irritation may reduce rubbing. If hollows or persistent pigment are the main concern, a dermatologist or qualified aesthetic clinician can discuss options such as prescription care or under-eye filler, including limits and risks.

Arrange an assessment if darkness appears suddenly, affects one side, follows swelling or a rash, or comes with pain, vision changes, marked redness, or discharge. Seek urgent care for sudden visual loss, severe eye pain, or rapidly increasing swelling. Persistent change with itching or scaling also deserves review.

Ask whether the colour is mainly pigment, visible vessels, irritation, or shadowing; whether allergies or eczema are contributing; and which treatments are safe for the delicate eyelid area.