Dark circles under the eyes aren’t only common in adults who may be lacking sleep; in fact, poor health and troubled sleep are the least common causes for dark circles in children. If your child’s complexion is uneven or especially fair, the chances of dark circles under the eyes are much higher, but it’s important to understand the real cause.

Nasal congestion is the most common cause of dark circles since the veins from the eyes drain into the veins in the nose. If the nasal passage becomes blocked, the veins around the eyes can turn bluish or purple in color, causing dark circles that do not seem to disappear. You’ll need to find see if your child has allergies or nasal congestion from a flu or cold, and provide medication to clear up the sinuses first.

Some common characteristics of nasal congestion can include:

• Swollen nose

• Redness around the nose and eyes

• Excessive mouth breathing

• Colds

The best way to remove or reduce puffiness from congestion (that accompanies dark circles) is to apply a cold compress; this helps constrict blood vessels so that the dark areas aren’t so prominent. Hay fever, food allergies, and other food sensitivities can trigger puffiness and dark circles, as well as a cold or a flu. You may need to address allergies with medication, or simply eliminate any allergens around the home. It may be necessary to consult or doctor or allergist for testing and treatment.

Children with dark circles may also have an imbalanced diet, be experiencing excessive fatigue, or have extreme nasal congestion. Sudden weight loss or skin discoloration will require a doctor’s visit as they will be able to diagnose any critical medical conditions. In some cases, dark circles under the eyes simply run in families. It’s best to avoid rubbing the eyes around the skin as this can make the dark circles appear darker.