Periorbital dark circles

Periorbital dark circles are darkened areas around the eyes, especially beneath the lower eyelids. Their appearance can result from pigmentation, visible blood vessels, thin skin, or shadows cast by facial contours.

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Periorbital hyperpigmentation: Excess or uneven melanin around the eyes that produces brown or gray discoloration. This subtype results from increased pigment rather than mainly from shadow or visible vessels.
Dermatology: The medical specialty concerned with skin, hair, and nail disorders. Dermatologists assess pigment, inflammation, and skin structure that may contribute to dark circles.
Periorbital region: The anatomical area surrounding the eye, including the eyelids and adjacent tissues. Dark circles arise in this region, whose thin tissues and contours shape their appearance.
Periorbital bruising: Blood leaking into tissues around the eye after injury, producing temporary discoloration. A bruise is usually an acute injury-related change, unlike many persistent dark circles.
Infraorbital hollowing: A depression beneath the eye that can create a shadow between the lower eyelid and cheek. The hollow can make the area look dark even when skin pigment is unchanged.
Chemical peel: A treatment that applies a chemical solution to exfoliate skin and promote its renewal. Selected peels may reduce some forms of superficial under-eye pigmentation.
Lower eyelid: The movable skin and supporting tissues that cover the lower portion of the eye. Its thin skin and nearby contour transitions make vessels and shadows especially visible.
Allergic rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal lining triggered by allergens, causing symptoms such as congestion and sneezing. It can cause allergic shiners, a specific contributor often mistaken for ordinary pigmentation.
Skin phototype: A classification of skin by its response to ultraviolet exposure, often based on the Fitzpatrick scale. Baseline pigmentation and sun response can affect how discoloration around the eyes appears.
Laser therapy: The medical use of focused light energy to alter or remove targeted tissue. Some laser treatments target pigment or visible vessels, but require careful eye-area safety.