Could Dark Circles Be Caused by Sinus Problems?
asked 2 years ago by gal1690 in scotland
Latest answer by Eric M. Joseph, MD
Question viewed 1,384 times
Tags: age 35-44, eyes, nose, male, dark circles
I am 42 year old male. I've suffered blocked sinuses since I was about 15. I had surgery when I was 19. I don't know what they've actually done but nothing changed. Since the op, I've had dark circles.
I've just recently been back to ENT; he examined me with the camera. Everything is in pristine condition apart from inflammation. He gave me nasonex. It's not working and I feel awful going back to see him soon. Should I mention my dark circles to him or my GP? Thank you!
4 answers to Could Dark Circles Be Caused by Sinus Problems?
+2
Dark circles under your eyes are likely from chronic nasal allergy.
Chronic nasal allergy and congestion leads to venous congestion, and deposition of dark pigment in the under eye area. Unfortunately, even if you control your nasal-allergic symptoms with medications like Nasonex, the dark circles will not vanish. In fact, I'm not aware of any treatment for dark circles under the eyes other than concealer.
I hope this is helpful for you.
+2
Hay Fever
Most likely you have a long history of allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Patients with this problem frequently have darkening of the peri-orbital areas (allergic shiners or raccoon eyes) felt to be secondary to chronic rubbing.
Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
Virginia Beach Dermatologist
+1
Consult a dermatologist
Dark circles can be caused by several factors. Sun damage, heredity, allergies (and chronic eye rubbing) and sinus problems are all in play. Many people have more than one factor causing the problem. A good dermatologist can guide you through the diagnosis and possible options for correction.
+1
Dark circles are not caused by sinus disease
Dear Gal
Your sinus disease did not cause your dark circles. The dark circle is caused by the fact the the lower eyelid skin is very thin with essentially no fat between the skin and the underlying muscle. Light penetrating the skin is absorbed by the muscle rendering the skin dark in appearance. Adjacent cheek is much lighter because of the thick layer of fat that is close to the skin. The fat acts to reflect light back toward the skin. Shadowing can also affect appearance of the lower...
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