We are accustomed to the fact that from fatigue, lack of sleep, overstrain, bags and circles may appear under our eyes. In adults, this fact does not cause much concern. But what if you notice circles under the eyes of children? Is this a worrisome symptom or a relatively unimportant cause for concern? What should a parent do? How do you know why circles appeared? We propose to analyze these and other questions.
Causes of dark circles under the eyes of a child
From what can such an incomprehensible sign appear? There are several main reasons:
- Chronic lack of sleep or overwork.
- Hereditary factor.
- Vegetovascular dystonia.
- Iron deficiency anemia.
- Avitaminosis.
- Helminthiasis.
- Periorbital idiopathic hyperchromia.
- Lack of water in the child's body. A fluid deficiency lowers blood pressure. This especially affects blood circulation in the peri-ocular region - dark venous blood begins to accumulate, which becomes the cause of circles under the eyes in children.
- On the contrary, a plentiful drink. In this case, swelling is added to the circles.
Note that the skin under the eyes is one of the thinnest. Its thickness is 0.5 mm, therefore, through it, sometimes blood and lymph vessels appear through. If venous blood begins to accumulate in the capillaries of this zone, which is known, as we noted earlier, in dark color, then the area under the eyes changes its light shade to brownish, bluish, grayish or even blackish.
Let us examine some of the reasons in more detail below.
Heredity
Circles under the eyes in children can be due to hereditary factors. In some people, the vessels run too close to the skin, which in the case of a thin peri-ocular can cause dark spots. There is no fat layer (as, for example, on the chin, cheeks), so the periorbital region darkens.
This feature is inherited. If it is inherent in the family of the child, then there is no cause for concern.
Overwork and VVD
From what in this case do circles under the eyes of children form? The thing is in cortisol, which is of great importance for the conservation of energy resources of our system. Fighting fatigue, the body begins to produce it twice as much. This is necessary so that we simply do not fall asleep on the spot.
This hormone of the adrenal cortex increases the amount of blood in the body. The vessels begin to overflow with it. Including those that are in the periorbital region.
For this reason, we will also include vegetovascular dystonia (VVD). The disease is characterized by a chronic feeling of fatigue, loss of strength, general weakness of the body. Another characteristic sign of VVD is pale and dry skin.
Iron-deficiency anemia
This disease can also be the cause of dark circles under the eyes of a child. By manifestation, it is quite similar to the IRR. Pathology is associated with a significant decrease in hemoglobin levels. As a result, the partial pressure of oxygen increases in venous blood , hypoxia begins to manifest itself - an insufficient level of oxygen in the body.
In addition to dark circles, iron deficiency anemia is characterized by dizziness, chronic colds. With such alarming symptoms, you should contact a specialist as soon as possible.
Avitaminosis
The cause of circles under the eyes of a child can be vitamin deficiency:
- Lack of vitamins B9, B12, C leads to incomplete absorption of iron by the body.
- Vitamin D deficiency. Chronic feeling of tiredness that provokes dark circles under the eyes. In addition, bone tissue becomes fragile, chronic pain, depressive states are manifested.
Helminthiasis
Why does the child have circles under the eyes? The cause may be the disease with the following type of helminthiasis:
- Giardiasis
- Trichinosis.
- Opisthorchiasis.
In the child's body, enzymes and substances generated by the vital activity of parasites begin to accumulate. In parallel with dark circles, the following symptoms come to light:
- Decreased appetite.
- Allergy.
- Violation of the body's assimilation of nutrients.
- Delays in the growth and development of the child.
Idiopathic hyperchromia
This phenomenon is characterized by hyperpigmentation of the skin, not only under the eyes, but also in the eyelids. The reason is the excessive production of the pigment melanin.
Hyperchromia is more common in people with dark hair and dark skin. But for specialists, it’s still a mystery why melanin in the periorbital region begins to be produced excessively. The phenomenon practically does not occur in infants, but can manifest itself with growing up.
This is the reason for the blue circles under the eyes of the child. When the baby is in the light, then with idiopathic hyperchromia, the periorbital regions of the eyelids also acquire a bluish tint.
Kidney disease
If the child suffers from kidney disease associated with inflammatory processes in the glomeruli, then he may develop dark circles under the eyes, as well as swelling of the eyelids and soft tissues after sleeping in this area. Such symptoms indicate post-infectious glomerulonephritis, which may be the result of pharyngitis or tonsillitis caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci.
The following alarming signs also manifest themselves:
- Elevated body temperature.
- General weakness.
- Headache.
- Dyspnea.
- Pain in the lower back, abdomen.
- Problems with the urination process.
Color and reason
The color of the circles under the eyes may indicate a specific reason for their appearance.
| Bluish | Most likely, this is an individual feature of the child - the capillaries in the periorbital region of it lie close to the skin. |
| Bluish purple | Color indicates fatigue or overwork. It may also indicate heart problems or hypoxia. If a child is diagnosed with heart disease, then this symptom indicates the development of periorbital cyanosis - a local variety of this disease. Its cause is a violation of blood circulation, an increase in the proportion of reduced (in other words, not connected to oxygen) hemoglobin. |
| The black | A sign of dehydration or iron deficiency. |
| Yellowish gray | In the plasma, the level of the bile type of bilirubin pigment has greatly increased. |
| Brownish | Indicates diseases of the gallbladder or liver. |
| Reddish | Red circles under the eyes of a child are a sign of developing allergic reactions. |
Let's move on to the next section.
Other diseases
Circles under the eyes of a child (photo examples are presented throughout the article) may indicate the development of a whole series of diseases. Here is a list of them:
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Congenital cyst of the liver.
- Frontite.
- Viral hepatitis.
- Hepatolenticular degeneration.
- Adenoiditis
- Pollinosis (an allergic reaction to pollen).
- Bronchial asthma.
- Acute sinusitis.
- Tonsillitis.
- Sinusitis
- Thyroid disease.
- Caries.
Diagnose a problem
From the foregoing, it is clear that in the circles under the eyes alone, it is difficult to establish the only true reason for their appearance. It is worth contacting a pediatrician who will collect a complete medical history, which includes all the diseases that the child suffered from throughout his life. It is important for the doctor to be aware of pathologies, diseases of parents, close relatives, daily routine, behavior, diet of a small patient.
In particular, the following examination is prescribed:
- Blood, urine and feces tests.
- Ultrasound of the abdominal system.
- Chest x-ray.
- Consultation of specialists - nephrologist, otolaryngologist, cardiologist, gastroenterologist.
Treatment
The child has circles under the eyes - what to do? This phenomenon is a symptom, so it is impossible to specifically cure it. The cause of this symptom should be eradicated.
Therefore, self-treatment is not allowed here. A disease that causes circles under the eyes can be very serious, diagnosed only with the help of special equipment. A comprehensive treatment scheme worked out by the doctor is needed.
For example, with a lack of vitamins, multivitamin preparations or medicines with specific properties are prescribed. If the cause of dark circles is helminthiasis, then antihistamines are prescribed for the child in parallel with the observance of the rules of sanitary-hygienic behavior.
Problem prevention
The main direction of prevention is to prevent the manifestation of the cause that causes such a symptom. In addition, there are a number of general recommendations:
- Following the age-appropriate sleep / wake regimen.
- Varied rest - active, homely.
- Minimizing the time spent on a computer, smartphone, TV.
- Sleep at least 8 hours a day.
- A balanced, varied diet at least 4 times a day.
- Physical activity normal for age.
- Daily long walks in the fresh air.
- Minimizing stress, nervous strain, getting bright positive emotions.
Eliminate circles under the eyes
If the circles under the eyes are caused by hereditary factors, then fighting them, of course, is futile. You can use a harmless tool, which, according to some experts, helps to reduce the level of pigmentation of the skin of the periorbital region. These are cold milk compresses that are applied under the eyes twice a day.
Helps to get rid of the phenomenon itself and chilled decoction of chamomile in filter bags. They need to be applied under the eyes for 15-20 minutes. Children's vitamins and facial massage help. However, only a doctor should prescribe them.
Often enough to align the diet - add more fruits, fish, vegetables, soups, meat, cereals, dried fruits and nuts to it. Exclude fast food, snacks, sweet sparkling water.
Walking in the fresh air also contributes to the improvement of complexion. However, their duration every day should not be less than two hours. It is necessary to combine this with a quality healthy sleep - as we have already noted, at least 8 hours a day. Perhaps the child is chronically tired. Maybe you should abandon some section or additional classes?
Circles and swelling under the eyes appear from the fact that the child drinks a lot. During the day, he can replenish the water balance in unlimited quantities, but after six in the evening - no more than 1-2 glasses. This prevents bruising under the eyes in the morning.
So we figured out the causes and their elimination. In any case, if you notice circles under the eyes of a child, you need to play it safe and consult a specialist.