Dark Eyelids

Dark Eyelids – What is it?

The human eyelid is made up of thin skin and acts as a protection for the eyes. Dark eyelids or medically termed Periorbital dark circles are dark discoloration around the eyes.

Symptoms of dark eyelids

• Flushed eyelids
• Reddish eyes
• Itchy eyelids
• Excessive tear discharge
• Swollen eyes

Dark Eyelids Causes

• Inflammation: Dark circles or hyperpigmentation in the area surrounding the eyes is sometimes the resulting factor of tissue damage from acute trauma. Conditions like Styes, Chalazia, Blepharitis, etc. can lead to severe darkening of the skin around the eyes.
• Allergic reaction: Allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis leads to excessive rubbing of the eyes which leads to darkening of the skin and is called allergic contact dermatitis.
• Injury: Sustained during an accident or intentional trauma during competitive wrestling/boxing leads to prolonged and severe darkening of the eyelids.
• Irritation: Chemical irritants like the ones present in shampoos, hair sprays, styling gels, etc. could lead to irritation of the skin around the eyes.
• Insomnia: Lack of sleep could lead to prolonged darkening of the eyelids and result in the blood vessels around the eyes to become dilated. This excess flow of blood makes the eyelids appear darker than usual.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Vitamin B deficiency, iron deficiency, anemia, etc.

Other Causes

• Heredity – dark circles around the eyes due to heredity & genetic disorders
• Aging
• Excessive use of eye beautification products
• Continuous pressure on the eyelid

How to get rid of dark eyelids ?

• Cold compresses, ice pack, cucumber slices can act as cooling agents for soothing and relaxing the skin around the eyes, especially in cases of excessive inflammation
• It is recommended to avoid eye makeup and other beautification cosmetics, especially if there is an instance of puffiness and extreme itching
• Get adequate sleep to relax the stressed eye muscles
• Always wear polarized and UV protection eyewear when venturing out in the sun

Treatments for Dark Eyelids

• Topical agents: Nonphenolic and phenolic bleaching agents are used for treating hyperpigmentation.
• Hydroquinone: Abundantly used bleaching agent made as a solution containing only 2 – 6 % Hydroquinone, is applied in small doses over a period of 5 – 7 months.

Note: Hydroquinone usage causes side effects like mild to severe side effects. Skin irritation, itching, inflammation, nail discoloration are some of them.

• Kojic acid: Naturally occurring derivative made from a fungal agent sourced from the Penicillium and Aspergillus species.
• Azelaic acid (AzA): The Azelaic acid or 1,7- heptane dicarboxylic acid is the most preferred anti-acne agent. Azelaic acid treats certain hyper pigmentary disorders like melasma.
• Arbutin: The extract derived from bearberry shrub, pear, cranberry and blueberry plants.

Note: The effects of Arbutin are dependent on the administered dose. Avoid overuse to avoid hyperpigmentation

• Topical vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant and is widely used as a treating agent for cases of hyperpigmentation around the eyelids
• Sunscreens: Can also be used by individuals suffering from darkened eyelids and cases of melasma.

Note: Take extra care while applying sunscreen on the delicate skin around the eyes.

• Chemical peels: Glycolic acid is widely used for chemical peeling and is highly effective in cases of Periocular Hyperpigmentation (dark eyelids)