Are You Suffering With Bags and/or Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?

Health Tip - Bags and Dark Circles Under The Eyes

Bags under the eyes is a mild swelling or puffiness under the eyes and common as you age. Deep dark circles under the eyes is the presence of a uniform, circular area of pigmentation under each eye. 

                                 

Dark Circles Under the eyes first manifest during adulthood, although it is possible for children to experience symptoms.

Most Common Causes of Dark Circles Under the eyes:

• Allergies
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema/inflammation)
• Heredity (dark under-eye circles can run in families)
• Lifestyle factors, such as physical or emotional stress,  not getting enough sleep, smoking or chronic alcohol use can take a toll on your appearance
• Nasal congestion (which can dilate and darken the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose)
• Pigmentation irregularities (these are a particular concern for people of color, especially blacks and Asians)
• Rubbing or scracthing your eyes
• Sun exposure, which prompts your body to produce more melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color
• Thinning skin and loss of fat and collagen, common as you age, can make the reddish-blue blood vessels under your eyes more obvious

Dark under-eye circles usually are not a medical problem

Both men and women can be affected by this condition.

                           
                                          

Bags under eyes are:

• Mild swelling
• Saggy or loose skin (small pillows under the eyes)
• Dark circles 
• Appearance of being tired
• Looking older than you actually are

                             

You should see a doctor if:

• Discoloration and swelling appear under just one eye and seem to get worse over time
• Severe and persistent
• Accompanied by redness, itching or pain
• Affects other parts of your body
• Affects your emotional health causing:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem

Causes of Bags Under Eyes:

• Fluid retention due to changes in weather (hot, humid days)
• Medical conditions (chronic sinusitis, nasal allergies and respiratory) 
• Dehydration
• Lack of exercise
• Smoking
• Changes in the skin due to the natural process of aging
• Hormone levels
• Eating salty foods
• Sleeping flat on your back
• Not getting enough sleep
• Allergies or dermatitis (puffiness accompanied by redness and itching
• Heredity

How to correct Bags or Dark Circles Under Your Eyes:

Medical Treatment:

• Laser resurfacing
• Chemical peels (lessens the appearance of under-eye swelling and discoloration
• Injectable fillers
• Surgical procedure - eyelift

Natural Self-care Remedies:

           Getting enough sleep (head slightly raised) seven to eight hours a night.

 Extra Pillows (elevate your head with two or more) to prevent puffiness that develops when fluid pools in your lower eyelids.

   Hot/warm showers and Cool Compress (wash cloth).

               Staying Peaceful and Stress Free. 


         Drinking Water 


         Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy diet.

 

         
          Under eye moisturizers


  Green tea bags (contain anti-inflammatory substance, which reduces fluid build -up).


  Slices of chilled cucumbers and other vegetables can help reduce under-eye puffiness.


    Cold compress or frozen peas  wrapped in a soft cloth to temporarily reduce dilated and discolored under-eye blood vessels.

     Applying hemorrhoid cream to the under-eye area also helps reduce swelling and puffiness. 



      Under Eye Concealers (camouflage) hide dark circles if bluish, use a peach-colored concealer.

    

Wear Dark glasses and sunscreen (prevent extra pigment)  extra sun exposure can make circles worse.

 Reduce allergy symptoms - avoid allergens when possible and use over-the-counter or prescription allergy medications.

Remember!

Information is Power

Protect every part of your body equally

For more information go to www.WebMD.com, www.Ask.com, www.mayoclinic.com, www.idiomeanings.com

, or www.livestrong.com

Live well
Doc V