Babies are precious and the smallest health issue can send parents into a tizzy of worry and nervousness. Some issues in babies can be more of a cause for concern. Dark circles in babies is one such issue. Adults often have dark circles due to several reasons such as lack of sleep, stress, illness, etc. But when you see the same issue in babies, it is normal to get worried.
You will be surprised to know that babies have dark circles too and that is normal. The underlying reasons are usually the same as that of an adult. So, how can you ensure that you can help your baby get rid of them, and is it possible? This article deals with the various aspects of dark circles in babies such as causes, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
In This Article
- What Are Dark Circles?
- Is it Normal For Babies to Have Dark Circles Under Their Eyes?
- Top 6 Causes of Dark Circles in Babies
- 5 Tips to Take Care of Dark Circles in Babies
- Are There Any Remedy For Baby’s Dark Circles?
- When to See a Doctor?
- FAQ’s
What Are Dark Circles?
Dark circles are a kind of blemish that appear around the eyes. The dark circles are more prominent than other blemishes and appear vividly under your eye. Dark circles are common in adults and happen due to unhealthy lifestyle factors such as stress, sleeplessness, exercise and so on. Also, it does not indicate any severe health issues naturally.
Sometimes, though, these black circles can also appear under a baby’s eye and make the parents worry about their baby’s health.
Is it Normal For Babies to Have Dark Circles Under Their Eyes?
Yes, it is normal for babies to have dark circles under their eyes. Dark circles can form under the eyes of a baby due to many reasons. There are several reasons behind the formation of dark circles. Some reasons include lack of sleep due to growth spurt, improper sleep patterns, or sleep regression. Dark circles can also happen due to genetics, illnesses, snoring etc.
But if the aforementioned reasons do not define the reason for your baby’s dark circles, then your doctor may conduct further investigations to understand why this is happening.
Top 6 Causes of Dark Circles in Babies
Several reasons can cause the dark circles under babies’ eyes. Here, we will give you some major reasons that cause dark circles under the baby’s eyes
1. Sleeplessness
Sleeplessness is a common reason that causes dark circles in babies. Some babies are super active and energetic than others. They are too busy exploring the world to take a rest which leads to a lack of sleep in them, and dark circles appear under their eyes. There is nothing to worry about as with complete sleep these dark circles will disappear automatically.
Factors such as sleep regression, growth spurts, and illnesses can also cause sleep disturbances in babies leading to the formation of dark circles under their eyes.
2. Congestion
This is another reason for the formation of dark circles in babies. The crying tubes in our eyes are directly connected to our nose therefore we get sniffy when we cry. Also, the blood vessels around our eyes are connected to the nose blood vessels. When the nose gets stuffed or blocked the blood vessels around the eyes also get blocked.
Some common health problems that cause nasal congestion block the blood vessels around the eyes. And this causes dark circles (temporarily). These kinds of health problems include colds, allergies, ear infections, flu etc.
3. Genetics
The hereditary factor can play a significant role in the formation of dark circles in babies. For example, there is a condition known as periorbital hyperpigmentation which results in excessive pigmentation around the eyes resulting in dark circles. If the mother or father has this condition, there is a high chance that the baby can inherit this.
4. Anemia
Babies grow very fast and often their diet fails to keep up with their fast-paced growth. Also, once introduced to solid foods, babies get picky about their food and do not eat properly resulting in nutritional deficiency. Anemia is common in babies all over the world and can cause dark circles under their eyes.
[Read : Iron Deficiency Anemia In Toddlers]
5. Dehydration
Your baby can get dark circles from dehydration. Drinking plenty of water helps the body to stay hydrated and pump lots of oxygen in the body. If your child is not drinking enough water, they can develop dehydration. And this can lead them to get a dark circle under their eyes.
6. An Injury
If the above-mentioned reasons do not make sense for your baby’s dark circles, it can also mean an internal injury which can lead to blockage of blood vessels and causes dark circles.
[Read : Snoring In Babies]
5 Tips to Take Care of Dark Circles in Babies
Dark circles can appear in your baby due to many reasons. But it does not seem to be a healthy sign in your baby. So here we will give you the top 5 tips to take care of them.
1. Create a Healthy Sleep Routine
Many babies do not want to sleep well and do a lot of physical activities. This leads them to irregular sleeping and sleep deprivation which is a major cause of dark circles. Try to make a good sleeping routine for them and make them sleep when their body needs rest.
2. Encourage Them to Drink More Water
Dehydration is also a big issue that can cause dark circles. So, you should track whether your babies are drinking enough water or not. Give them water from time to time and encourage them to drink water more often.
3. Watch Out For Allergic Reactions
Sometimes dark circles can be caused by skin irritation or allergies. You need to observe what are the things your baby is allergic to and always make sure they do not get in contact with the allergic materials to prevent the dark circles.
4. Take Care of Health Problems That Influence Nasal Congestion
Many kids are prone to cold and flu which causes nasal congestion. So, you need to take care their nose does not get blocked. As nasal congestion can also cause dark circles in babies.
Are There Any Remedy For Baby’s Dark Circles?
There are several remedies available to prevent dark circles in kids. Here are some of them for your help.
- Make sure your baby is getting proper sleep and a healthy diet.
- If the dark circles are caused by an allergy. Keep them away from the source and clean their eyes with a soft cloth after soaking them in water.
- Keep their nails short so they do not injure themselves accidentally.
- Apply cucumber paste or milk cream around the eyes to soothe and brighten the skin after talking to the paediatrician.
- Use saffron to reduce allergic reactions.
When to See a Doctor?
Although, most of the dark circles in babies are harmless and natural and disappear if you take care of them well. But if you do not feel right, you should immediately visit the doctor.
Dark circles in infants are common and often not a cause for concern. A little care and a few remedies can help parents deal with this condition. However, if the dark condition seems persistent and is accompanied by any other health issues, you may need to consult a doctor or a pediatrician at the earliest.
[Read : Vitamin D For Babies]
FAQ’s
1. Does Vitamin D Deficiency Cause Dark Circles?
Vitamin D is essential to maintain good bone health, but its deficiency does not cause dark circles.
2. Can Vitamin C Deficiency Cause Dark Circles?
Yes, Vitamin C deficiency can cause dark circles in babies. Give them more citrus fruits to prevent dark circles.
3. Can Dehydration Cause Dark Circles?
Yes, Dehydration can cause dark circles in babies. So, you should make sure they drink plenty of water.
Read Also: Erythema Toxicum Neonatorum in Newborns – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
