eye bags
Dark circles , halonierte eyes , Halonierung periorbital region or med. Halo ( Latin halos 'courtyard' from Greek ἅλως hálōs or ἅλων hálōn 'atrium') is an expression for dark, bluish or shady areas of skin around the eyes that are physiological (without disease value, predisposition) or accompanying various underlying diseases or with Disorders of the general well-being of humans can occur. The discoloration is most noticeable in the region below the eye socket ( orbit ).
One distinguishes between:
- a hyperpigmentation of the skin
- skin that appears dark due to the translucent underlying vessels (thin skin)
causes
Mostly the cause of an acute occurrence of dark circles is a lack of sleep and can be an indication of a hypersensitivity reaction ( atopy ). Chronic dark circles can be the result of, among other things
- reduced oxygen supply to the vessels,
- Dehydration ,
- Malnutrition ,
- Iron deficiency ,
- Environmental toxins ,
- Allergies ,
- a conjunctival inflammation as well as
- prolonged drug or alcohol use . After prolonged drug use , it can take weeks to months for the dark circles to completely disappear.
Dark circles can also be innate, i.e. genetically determined ( predisposition ). In general, dark circles can also be a result of aging.
The visible discoloration, which is not due to a pigmentation disorder, is due to the blood and lymph vessels lying under the skin . The skin in the eye area is particularly thin and therefore has only a weak subcutaneous fat tissue , so that the underlying vessels can shine through the skin. If the blood vessels are poorly supplied with blood, the blood contains less oxygen and thus appears darker, which can be shown in color, especially in the eye area. In some cases, the shades also appear with puffy bags under the eyes. It is important not to confuse bags under the eyes with dark circles. Dark circles under the eyes is called the dark shade under the eyes. However, bags under the eyes are real swellings.
treatment
Therapy is always based on the cause. If there is hyperpigmentation, the possible trigger factors for melanin formation should be sought. A possible cause may be frequent rubbing of the eyes such as B. with hay fever or itching due to dry skin. If, on the other hand, the skin is just too thin and translucent, the therapy should thicken the skin. For this purpose, z. B. fractional laser treatments and / or injections with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the platelet-rich plasma from one's own blood.
Home remedies such as the use of tea bags or hemorrhoid creams for dark circles are not recommended as these may contain substances that can cause an allergic reaction and, with regular use of anti-inflammatory hemorrhoid creams, the thickness of the skin will decrease. An allergic reaction to tea is particularly common with certain types of tea , such as B. Chamomile tea possible. People use cosmetic agents, for example in the form of concealer, to hide the dark circles .
Other home remedies are:
- Drink plenty of water
- cold objects
- eat less salt
- Put cucumber on the eyes
- Put milk on the eyes
- massage with a cream
- protein
Drinking a lot of water helps blood vessels better and thus prevents them from appearing so dark. Placing cold objects on the dark areas also helps to stimulate blood circulation (see cryotherapy ). Eating less salt , however, is fraught with risks, as too little salt consumption can also be harmful. The cucumber strengthens and relaxes the skin and gives it moisture. Milk , protein, and various fruits and vegetables work in the same way . Gently with oil or cream to massage the skin helps to relax and provides important minerals .
literature
- JS Epstein: Management of infraorbital dark circles. A significant cosmetic concern. In: Arch Facial Plast Surg. 1999 Oct-Dec; 1 (4), pp. 303-307.
- What causes the dark circles that sometimes appear under my eyes? In: Mayo Clin Women's Healthsource. 2003 Jun; 7 (6), p. 8.
- MB Marks: Allergic shiners. Dark circles under the eyes in children. In: Clin Pediatr (Phila). 1966 Nov; 5 (11), pp. 655-658.
- FM Friday, TF Cestari: What causes dark circles under the eyes? In: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology . 6 (3) September 2007, pp. 211-215.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ^ Otto Dornblüth : Clinical Dictionary . Ed .: Otto Dornblüth . 13./14. Edition. 1927 ( entry 'Halo' on textlog.de [accessed on October 18, 2016]).
- ↑ Where do dark circles come from? on n-tv from January 11, 2011.
- ↑ Various causes: Annoying dark circles on n-tv from June 11, 2008.
- ↑ Cosmetics: First aid against deep circles under the eyes on Spiegel Online from March 13, 2013.
