Periorbital hyperpigmentation

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Periorbital hyperpigmentation
Synonyms	Dark circles, periorbital melanosis, infraorbital darkening
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Darkening of the skin around the eyes
Complications	Psychological distress, cosmetic concerns
Onset	Any age, more common in adults
Duration	Chronic or recurrent
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetics, allergies, sleep deprivation, aging, sun exposure, anemia
Risks	Family history, ethnicity, lifestyle factors
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, medical history
Differential diagnosis	Allergic shiner, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Topical creams, chemical peels, laser therapy, fillers
Medication	Hydroquinone, retinoids, vitamin C
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Periorbital hyperpigmentation (also known as dark circles or eye circles) is a condition characterized by darkening of the skin around the eyes. It is a common dermatological condition that can affect both men and women of various age groups.

Causes

The exact cause of periorbital hyperpigmentation is not known, but several factors are believed to contribute to its development. These include genetics, aging, lack of sleep, stress, and lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Certain medical conditions, such as anemia and thyroid disease, can also cause dark circles under the eyes.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of periorbital hyperpigmentation is the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. The skin may appear darker than the surrounding skin, and this discoloration can extend to the upper eyelid. In some cases, the skin may also appear puffy or swollen.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of periorbital hyperpigmentation is typically based on a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. In some cases, a dermatologist may use a special light or a device called a dermatoscope to examine the skin more closely.

Treatment

Treatment for periorbital hyperpigmentation depends on the underlying cause. If the dark circles are due to lifestyle factors, changes such as getting more sleep, reducing stress, and quitting smoking can help. Topical treatments, such as creams containing hydroquinone, retinoids, and vitamin C, can also be effective. In some cases, laser therapy or chemical peels may be recommended.

See also

• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

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