Allergic Shiners

Usually dark circles around the eyes are associated with insomnia or sleep deprivation. However, this need not be the only cause of dark circles, as, even a person who has allergies can have this problem. When these dark circles are caused due to the presence of allergies, it is known as allergic shiners.

This is not only seen in adults, but also, is one of the earliest symptoms observed in children, who are prone to some kind of allergy. Let us try to know more about this allergy and ways to get rid of it.

The shiners are dark circles under the eyes that look like bruises that one gets after being physically abused. However, in case of bruises, the capillaries or the veins are broken, due to which, the blood leaks, making the area around the eyes look dark in color.

On the contrary, allergic shiners are caused due to the blockage of nasal passage or sinus congestion, which blocks the blood flow to the heart, causing it to get collected under the eyes. Moreover, the small veins under the eyes may also become enlarged, giving rise to the bluish black color.

Also, when the fluid from these veins, spreads on the tissues of the skin, swelling occurs.

Some prominent causes of this condition among children and adults, include, hay fever, sinusitis, dust allergy, eczema, common cold, and mold allergy. Allergy to animal hair can also lead to dark circles under eyes. Moreover, it can also be the first sign of asthma in infants and older children.

The most common reason for these dark circles under the eyes of children is said to be an allergy to a particular food or food group. As babies are usually breastfed, the allergy may arise from some kind of food that the mother consumes.

If you or your child is suffering from this problem, there are different ways in which, you can get rid of these ugly marks under the eyes. The most essential and important thing to begin the treatment measure is, to know the kind of allergy that the person has. Once this is found, the first and the best treatment option is to stay away from such allergens.

For instance, if you are allergic to dust, it is important to keep your house clean by dusting regularly. In case of babies, the best treatment will require the mothers to avoid the foods that cause allergy to the child. To find the source of the allergy, a mother should make a list of foods that they eat every day and observe whether shiners appear under the child's eyes as a reaction to certain foods.

Treating the root cause of the allergy is the best way of getting rid of this problem. Antihistamines are over-the-counter medications that are effective in curing certain symptoms, like, sneezing, watery eyes, running nose, etc. Apart from these medications, using nasal sprays are also said to be helpful in getting rid of some allergies, which will subsequently help in doing away with the problem.

Though there are people who use nasal steroids to eliminate shiners, it can cause some side effects and hence, one should take extra care, and consult a physician before using them. There are certain simple home remedies that you can try, to cure this problem. Soak a towel in hot water and hold it on the eyes and nose for some time and you will surely notice the difference in the appearance of the dark circles under your eyes.

It also aids in opening up the nasal passages. Apart from this, keeping thin cucumber slices or applying tomato juice on closed eyes can do the trick. You may place hot tea bags over your eyes to reduce their puffiness and swelling.

Since this problem can be an early sign of asthma and other serious allergies, health practitioner should be consulted immediately, in order to get the condition under control.