Dark circles under eyes in kids are often an uncommon occurrence as they have been primarily noticed in adults above 20 years of age. Dark circles are the appearance of dark spots and discolorations under the eye. Though, dark circles appear in most people as a symptom of ageing, they may appear in children due to causes related to their lifestyle. So, what causes dark circles under eyes in kids?
There are a number of reasons for the appearance of dark circles under the eyes in kids. Let’s have a detailed look at each of them-
1.Allergies – Dark circles in children can be caused due to irritation or an allergic reaction. Some of the allergens in children can be certain foods (including strawberries, fish, peanuts, and dairy products), cosmetics, detergents, metallurgical substances, elastic, latex etc. Allergies can cause nasal congestion in children, which can be a reason for the appearance of dark circles under eyes.
2.Eye Infection – If a child is suffering from an eye infection, it can also cause dark circles to appear on the skin under the eye. Certain eye infections that may cause dark circles are- conjunctivitis, Rhinitis, Strep throat, bacterial or viral infections etc.
3.Rubbing the eyes - Children are more likely to rub their eyes while studying or watching TV. Rubbing or touching the eyes frequently breaks the blood vessels of the skin beneath the eyes. This may cause dark circles to appear at a very early age.
4.Dehydration – Less intake of water and other liquids can lead to loss of body fluids and can also cause dark circles to appear under the eyes in children.
5.Recurrent cold – If a child is suffers from cold for a long time; he is more likely to have dark circles under the eye area.
6.Heredity – Dark circles may appear under the eyes of a child, if it runs in his family. Some children genetically have a thinner skin under the eye area that causes dark circles under their eyes.
7.Fair complexion – Children with a fair complexion are often found to have dark circles under their eyes as compared to children with a dark skin color.
What causes dark circles under eyes in children may worry parents but there are ample of treatments available. It is absolutely essential for parents to take their children to a dermatologist if such a situation persists for a long time.
Any child may suffer from dark circles under eyes, and it is advised to all the parents to take certain precautions to protect their child from falling into the trap of this skin disease. Here are a few options-
1.Ensure a healthy diet for your child that contains lots of fruits, vegetables, juice, milk etc.
2.Avoid exposure to sunlight- Ensure that your children do not roam around in sun for a long time, for instance, while playing. This will protects his skin from harmful UV rays.
If you are wondering what causes dark circles under eyes in kids, and your child has already developed them, take him to a dermatologist for a suitable treatment.