Why Do Babies Get Dark Circles?

Have you wondered about the appearance of dark circles around your baby’s eyes? Do you think it’s because of the number of hours they spend watching tv screens or have irregular sleep patterns? Well, it can be more than these reasons. Dark circles in adults and in babies can be a different story altogether. So let’s learn a little bit more about dark circles and if their appearance is normal in babies with some remedies and preventions. Let’s get started!

What Are Dark Circles?

Dark circles are any kind of imperfections that appear as dark patches around the eyes. They may indicate a minor annoyance, an allergy, or in rare cases, a severe condition. The periorbital skin surrounds the eyelids and if dark circles are brought on by higher than average melanin production, the condition is known as periorbital hyperpigmentation (1).

The infraorbital venous plexus, a network of tiny blood veins that attach to the nose, lies beneath that skin. When this area is inflamed, the blood vessels enlarge and become more noticeable as they approach the skin, giving the site the appearance of a dark circle.

Is Dark Circle Common In Babies?

The dark circles under babies’ eyes are very normal. However, they can occasionally appear under their eyes because of the thin skin and densely populated blood vessels. Dark circles can be anticipated in the newborn if there is a genetic predisposition of delicate under-eye skin and dark circles (2).

Most of the time, dark circles are nothing to worry about. They may be inherited or brought on by fatigue or allergies. However, very rarely, a tumor may be to blame for dark circles. Consult your doctor right away if you find that your infant has a strangely deep dark circle.

Causes of Dark Circles Under Baby’s Eyes

Here are a few typical reasons why babies may have dark circles:

1. The most typical reason is the baby’s fragile, thin skin under the eyes, which highlights the blood vessels and makes them appear darker.
2. Additionally, babies can also have inheritable and genetic dark circles. So if family members carry it, parents shouldn’t be shocked if their offspring do too.
3. Some newborns’ skin is noticeably thinner than others, giving them a darker appearance.
4. Dark circles can also appear on tired infants. Their complexion may look pale, and the area around their eyes may appear darker after spending a lot of time in the sun or having little sleep.
5. The bulging of the veins underneath the eyes may be caused by nasal congestion, clogging the veins and reducing blood flow. Dark circles are more visible as a result.
6. Rarely, skin issues associated with bacterial infections, acne, sinus infections, lung infections, and dehydration can also result in dark or bluish rings under a baby’s eyes. (3)

Preventions for Dark Circles

You can minimize your baby’s dark circles in a few different ways:

1. Make sure babies get enough sleep at the appropriate times. Keep them busy and feed them nutritious foods to maintain a healthy weight gain.
2. Avoid dust or animals if those allergens are the source of their dark circles. Instead, wipe the area around their eyes with a fresh cloth dipped in warm water.
3. To prevent unwanted scratches on the cheeks and eyes, people should keep their hands clean and trim and cut their nails.

Dark circles cannot be avoided except for those brought on by allergies and exhaustion. Many parents attempt to remove dark circles using homemade pastes like ubtan, which may be ineffective and potentially hazardous.

When To Consult A Doctor

If your child experiences any of the following, you should consult a doctor immediately:

1. Eat poorly, sleep poorly, or are unhappy all the time.
2. Have circles that are suddenly darkening.
3. Have a persistent runny nose.
4. Possess red, watery, or scratchy eyes.
5. Have a continuously runny nose and sneeze more frequently than usual.

Your child’s doctor will suggest you visit an allergist, who will provide a skin test for your child to determine precisely what is causing the dark circles. The test will identify the particular substance to which your child is allergic. Then, if required, your child’s doctor will give them a prescription for a medicine such as an antihistamine to treat the symptoms or stop an attack from happening.

Whatever the reason, proper care can prevent your baby’s dark circles. So all you have to do is, keep them hydrated, look out for allergies and clean their surroundings. And if you have more stories or remedies to share, let us know in the comments section!

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