Dark Circles In Children: Should We Be Worried?
Dark circles are those shadows that lie under the eyes. In adults, insomnia, stress or fatigue are responsible. But why do they appear in children?
Although they are usually not a cause for concern, it is necessary to understand why dark circles appear in children. The first thing to define is that they are due to an alteration in the coloring of the skin located under the eyes or at their contour.
This deterioration occurs because of an excessive production of melanin and also because of the dilation of the blood vessels. It should be remembered that the skin around the eyes measures between 300 and 800 microns; in other words, it is quite fine, and that is why these physiological processes are so notorious.
Common causes of dark circles in children
It is normal for parents to be alarmed when their children wake up with dark circles because this condition makes them look sick and tired. However, this is not necessarily a cause for alarm. The reasons why dark circles appear in children are as follows.
Difficulty sleeping
It is normal for dark circles to appear when children have poor sleep habits. This disorder is known as childhood insomnia. It affects babies between six months and five years old.
Children’s sleep can be affected by consuming foods or drinks such as coffee or chocolate shortly before going to sleep. The practice of physical activity in the evening, the light stimulus of certain technological devices and ambient noise can also affect them and lead to the appearance of dark circles.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Another of the causes that can cause the appearance of dark circles in children is pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. This disorder is caused by partial or total blockage of breathing during sleep due to a narrowing of the airways.
Other symptoms that may suggest that your child has this disorder include the following:
- Snoring with long pauses in breathing.
- Night terrors and restless sleep.
- Dry mouth.
- Breathing through the mouth.
Tired
Due to a lack of sleep or excessive activity during the day, children may experience episodes of fatigue that lead to the appearance of dark circles.
In these cases, it is necessary to review the activities that the child performs during the day in order to be able to offer him rest areas allowing him to recover. Care should be taken with daytime naps so that they do not affect nighttime sleep.
Nasal congestion
This is one of the most common causes. Nasal congestion, whether due to the flu, allergic rhinitis, asthma or sinusitis, also leads to the appearance of dark circles. This color change does not only affect the lower eye area – it also affects the nose.
This is due to the dilation of the veins in these areas. It should be noted that when there is conjunctivitis, the eyelids turn red due to the irritability of the skin.
Genetic conditions
Although they usually appear in adolescence, some children may have a genetic predisposition to have dark circles very young. This condition is also known as congenital dark circles or hereditary periorbital melanosis .
It is nothing more than genetic hyperpigmentation in the eye area which can sometimes clear up, but rarely. The main thing is that it does not constitute a danger for the physical health of the child.
Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that commonly occurs in the adrenal glands, abdomen, chest, or parts of the body where there are groups of nerve cells. It appears in children under five and causes bruising around the eyes.
It is essential not to confuse these circles with dark circles. Other symptoms also appear, such as subcutaneous lumps, proptosis (eyes that seem to stick out of the sockets), pain in the bones or in the back, fever, and weight loss for no apparent reason.
Orbital cellulitis
Orbital cellulitis is an infection that can be serious. In children, it appears as a sinus disorder. It is accompanied by dark circles or swelling of the eyes in children under the age of seven.
The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae are the usual culprits . In addition, the eyeball becomes red and there is difficulty in moving the eyes as well as a fever.
What if my child has dark circles?
In general, dark circles in children are not serious. However, when we see another type of symptom appear, it is necessary to consult the doctor to rule out any disease. To improve its appearance, you can follow these recommendations and natural treatments.
Promote rest to avoid dark circles in children
When it comes to dark circles due to lack of sleep, it will be necessary to prevent the child from taking long naps in the middle of the day. Also, avoid letting him watch TV or stand in front of screens before going to sleep. You can discuss with the doctor the possibility of including herbal teas to help him fall asleep, such as chamomile or milk with honey.
Also, if the child does a lot of activities during the day, you may want to consider the option of giving them more space to rest or do activities that relax them, such as yoga or meditation.
Use natural treatments
If you want to reduce the appearance of dark circles, you can resort to natural options like cucumber slices. Place a washer on each eye and this will improve circulation by reducing inflammation and moisturizing that area well.
You can also apply a little coconut or almond oil on the dark circles with the help of a cotton ball. This helps reduce inflammation and will promote eyelash growth.
Dark circles in children: a more aesthetic problem
Dark circles in children, as in adults, are more of a cosmetic problem than a health problem, in the majority of cases. Therefore, if you have ruled out any physical problems with the help of your doctor, it is best to stay calm.
If it is a hereditary problem, the child should be made to accept his physical characteristics and avoid the application of products that promise their elimination without medical approval. Natural options are valid, as long as there are no contraindications.
