What to do if a baby has dark circles under the eyes?

Physiological factors: Physiological dark circles do not require treatment and will disappear as the child grows older.

Allergy-related: If the baby also experiences discomfort such as nasal congestion, runny nose, nose rubbing, snoring during sleep, sneezing, red eyes, or eye rubbing, parents should consider whether the baby has an allergic condition and seek medical attention promptly. Once the condition improves, the dark circles will gradually fade.

Trauma-related: If the dark circles are caused by trauma, parents should observe whether the baby's skin is broken and monitor their activity level. It is best to visit a hospital for examination to check for potential injuries to the eyes, teeth, or brain.

Can dark circles in babies be prevented? How?

1. Physiological dark circles do not require prevention.

2. For allergy-related dark circles, avoid allergens and actively treat allergic conditions.

If dark circles are caused by allergic conditions, they can be prevented by avoiding allergens. Common allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen, milk, egg whites, seafood, and cockroaches.

Additionally, irritants in the air, such as tobacco smoke, particulate pollutants, volatile substances, strong odors, and cold air, may trigger allergic rhinitis. Parents should minimize the baby's exposure to secondhand smoke and other irritants.

For babies with allergic conditions, antihistamines can be taken under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms.

• Common oral medications include cetirizine (for ages 1+) and loratadine (for ages 2+). If symptoms persist or nasal corticosteroids are ineffective, montelukast sodium may be considered under medical supervision.

• Common topical medications include mometasone furoate nasal spray (for ages 3+) and budesonide nasal spray (for ages 6+).

• Rinsing the nasal cavity with saline or seawater is also an effective home care measure for allergic rhinitis.

3. Prevent trauma.

This includes padding sharp furniture edges at home, using car seats for babies, and ensuring older children wear helmets and protective gear when riding bicycles to prevent accidents.

Why do babies have dark circles?

Unlike adults, dark circles in babies are not related to sleep. Even if an infant stays awake all night, they will not develop dark circles. Dark circles in babies are usually caused by physiological factors, allergies, or trauma.

Physiological factors

The area around the eyes has abundant veins. Because a baby's skin is thin, the color of these veins may show through, appearing bluish or dark. These dark circles are physiological and will fade as the child grows.

Some babies with prominent facial features, fair skin, or deep-set eyes may have more noticeable dark circles.

Allergic factors

Allergic conjunctivitis, allergic rhinitis, and other conditions can cause swelling and congestion around the eyes, making dark circles appear more pronounced.

Chronic allergic conditions, such as adenoid hypertrophy or chronic rhinitis, may also lead to venous congestion around the eyes, resulting in prominent dark circles.

Such children often exhibit other symptoms, such as frequent sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, or nose rubbing.

Trauma factors

If a baby's face is injured, bruising may occur around the eyes due to the abundance of blood vessels in the area, leading to dark circles.

When should you take a baby with dark circles to see a doctor?

Dark circles alone do not require medical attention.

If the baby also has symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, nose rubbing, snoring during sleep, sneezing, red eyes, or eye rubbing—especially if these symptoms affect daily life (poor eating, sleeping, or playing) or persist for more than 7 days without improvement—it is advisable to seek medical examination.

For trauma-related dark circles, prompt medical attention is recommended to rule out injuries to the eyes, teeth, or brain.