Do Dark Circles Under Eyes Mean Kidney Problems?

Dark circles under the eyes are common when you stay up late or have trouble sleeping. However, they can also indicate health issues such as kidney or liver problems.

What are dark circles?

Dark circles under your eyes make the skin below your eyes look darker. This area can appear blue, purple, brown, or black, depending on your natural skin color. Dark circles can make you look tired or older than you are.

Dark under-eye circles can have many causes, but they may or may not be a sign of a medical issue. Generally, they’re not something to worry about, though you might want to reduce their appearance for cosmetic reasons or even treat any underlying conditions to help overcome dark circles. 

What are the possible causes of dark circles?

If you’ve noticed dark circles under your eyes, they might have been most noticeable after a sleepless night. However, there are many factors that can cause dark circles to develop.

Genetics:

Eye bags under the eyes frequently run in families. Research indicates that if your family members have dark circles, you are more likely to have them as well. This familial tendency could be the most important risk factor.

Aging:

As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and loses its firmness and fullness. These changes in the delicate skin under our eyes can make blood vessels more visible, which results in a darker look.

Allergies:

For people with allergies, sinus congestion can cause blood vessels under the eyes to swell, resulting in dark circles. Additionally, rubbing itchy or irritated eyes can make these circles more noticeable.

Lack of sleep:

The common belief that a sleepless night causes dark circles under the eyes is supported by some evidence. Lack of sleep can cause blood vessels to widen, leading to a darker appearance under the eyes.

Sun exposure:

For some people, spending time in the sun can cause their body to produce more melanin, the pigment that colors the skin. Sun damage also weakens the skin, making dark circles more noticeable.

Fluid retention:

Smoking, eating a lot of salty foods, taking certain medications, and having medical conditions affecting the thyroid, kidneys, liver, or heart can all lead to swelling or fluid retention. This can cause blood vessels under the eyes to expand, leading to dark circles.

Anyone can get dark circles, but they are more common in people with a family history of them, older adults, and those with darker skin tones. Get in touch with the skin specialist doctor in Coimbatore to seek immediate treatment for dark circles under eyes.

Can dark circles mean kidney problems?

Dark circles can make the whole face appear tired and sad. Research suggests that kidney problems can contribute to these dark circles, as weakened kidneys can lead to a lack of vitality and dryness in the skin under the eyes. Other causes include exhaustion, staying up late, and an irregular lifestyle. Stress, worry, and a tired mood can also make the eyes look darker. To improve the appearance of dark circles, it’s important to adopt a healthier lifestyle and work on maintaining a more positive outlook.

What are the other underlying disorders dark circles may indicate?

Signs of liver disease:

• Particularly if liver function has been compromised for an extended period of time or if there is liver swelling, dark circles under the eyes may indicate chronic liver disease. 
• About 20% of people with liver disease have noticeable dark circles around their eyes and other exposed areas of their body. 
• If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for proper treatment. 
• Additionally, changing your diet and daily habits can help. 
• Providing essential nutrients to the liver and supporting its repair can improve its function. 
• This includes increasing protein intake by adding more meat, eggs, and milk to your meals.

Irregular menstruation:

• For women, having dark circles under the eyes for a long time can be distressing and affect self-confidence, as they can make the face look tired, sad, and older than it actually is. 
• Dark circles can also be linked to menstrual issues. 
• According to few studies, irregular or painful periods can block the flow of energy and blood, leading to poor circulation and visible dark circles. 
• Women with heavy menstrual flow or uterine bleeding are also more likely to experience dark circles.

Chronic stomach issues:

• Dark circles can also indicate stomach problems. 
• For people with chronic gastritis, where the stomach is often inflamed and has trouble with digestion and absorption, dark circles under the eyes can worsen. 
• Those with stress-related conditions or other digestive issues are also likely to develop dark circles. 
• To prevent chronic gastritis, it’s important to not only follow treatment but also to maintain a balanced diet and healthy daily habits. 
• Eating in moderation, practicing good food hygiene, and avoiding overloading the stomach can help. 
• When the stomach is healthier, dark circles under the eyes are likely to improve on their own.

Dark circles under your eyes can also be linked to nasal issues. If you frequently wake up with sneezing or a runny nose, it can cause the veins under your eyes to become irritated and bleed, leading to dark circles.

Can deficiencies cause dark circles?

One study suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 might lead to increased skin pigmentation, which could contribute to dark circles under your eyes. Additionally, iron deficiency anemia can also cause dark circles.

What are the best remedies for dark circles that can help overcome the condition?

There are several things you can try at home to reduce dark circles under your eyes. Some home remedies you might consider include:

Get enough sleep:

Lack of sleep is also one of the most common reasons for dark circles. Get enough sleep every night to get rid of dark circles. 

Use cold compress:

Place cold spoons on your eyes to help reduce swollen blood vessels. This can help lessen puffiness and the look of dark circles.

Use extra pillows:

Prop up your head with a few extra pillows at night to prevent fluid from building up under your eyes. This can help reduce puffiness.

Teabags: 

Put cold tea bags under your eyes. The caffeine and antioxidants in tea can help improve circulation.

Cosmetic facials:

Facials that include a massage around the eyes can help boost circulation.

What are the treatment options for any underlying conditions causing dark circles?

As previously discussed in the blog, dark circles may be caused due to several underlying problems including kidney and liver disorders. These conditions require different diagnostic procedures to identify the condition that is responsible for causing dark circles. 

Depending on the diagnostic results the type of treatment option is determined to treat the condition and eventually dark circles. 

What are the medical treatment options that help overcome dark circles?

If you want to quickly and permanently remove dark circles, contact your healthcare provider. They can inform you about treatment options available for your skin condition. Among the medical interventions for dark circles are:

Chemical peels:

Chemical peels use certain medically approved chemicals to lighten the pigmentation under your eyes.

Topical creams:

Topical creams, like those with vitamin C or bleaching agents, can help lighten dark circles under your eyes.

Laser therapy:

Laser treatments can help resurface and tighten your skin. Noninvasive options include pulsed dye and diode lasers.

What are the tips to prevent dark circles?

You cannot always prevent dark circles under your eyes. However there are a few tips that help. These include:

Make changes to your sleep cycle:

Ensure to maintain a healthy sleep cycle and ensure to get healthy hours of sleep. 

Keep yourself calm:

Stress may also be blamed for dark circles, it is important to follow a healthy stress-free routine to avoid sleep problems. 

Use sun protection:

Remember to apply sunscreen on your face, especially around your eyes, and wear sunglasses.

What vitamins are beneficial for dark eyes?

Some older studies suggest that topical products with vitamins E, C, and K can help reduce dark circles under eyes. Many of these products also contain retinoids, derived from vitamin A, which may improve skin tone.

Dark circles can also indicate iron deficiency anemia. In such cases, taking an iron supplement might help normalize blood levels.

Important Takeaway:

Dark circles under your eyes are a common issue for people of all ages. They are usually caused by aging, genetics, allergies, or lack of sleep. Home remedies and medical treatments can help improve their appearance. However, if dark circles persist or you have excessive swelling, be sure to visit best dermatology hospital in Coimbatore.