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What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes Of A Child?

Posted on Thu, 8 Jan 2015

Question: My 3 year old daughter always has these dark circles under her eyes. I am a bit worried. Please advise what it could be. Shes energetic, healthy, has lots of rest and is on a varied diet. She has a good apetite so i dont know what this could be.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be due to subclinical vitamin deficiency

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms,

Being a parent myself , I understand your concern and apprehension. Dark circles under the eye is quite often seen in children. It is due to following factors

1. Decreased intake of water
2. Subclinical Vitamin deficiency: Especially Vitamin B and Vitamin C
3. Associated Bhlepharitis(inflammation of lower eyelids): It could be secondary to seborrhoeic dermatitis(dandruff) of the scalp: It could be either visible or non visible dandruff

There is absolutely no cause for concern, it can be taken care off. I would suggest the following

1. Ensure good intake of water: 1 cup of water 1 hour before food and 1 cup of water 1 hour after every meals will ensure adequate intake of water

2. Multivitamin supplement

3. Hematinics

4. Local application of aloe vera based moistourizing cream will be helpful

5. One application of anti-dandruff shampoo to the scalp

6. Fruits: 2 servings of fruits especially citrus fruits(rich source of Vitamin C) will be helpful.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (25 hours later)

Hello.

Ive started to administer vitamin C and B in a syrup formula for children twice a day. I will also add more citrus fruits to diet. On average how long will it take before she starts to improve ? My wife had aneamea in her childhood, is there any likelyhood this could be hereditary ? If how can we have her tested ? What would be be looking for ? Thank you. Mr Luca Raimo. .

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Improvement in 1 to 2 weeks

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mr XXXXXXX

It's good to know that you have implemented the advise.
The dark circle should start improving in 1 to 2 weeks time.
Anemia in Children is usually due to
1. Diet deficiency in Iron and folic acid
2. Worm infestation
3. Other rare genetic cause

I would suggest you to get the following investigation done

1. Complete blood count
2. Peripheral smear for blood picture

If it's normal then there is no cause for concern. Do get back to me with the reports. Peripheral smear will reveal any abnormality in the morphology and appearance of Red blood cells

Take care and be in touch

Best regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (13 hours later)

Hello Doctor.

We live in Zambia and hence i have administered deworming tablet two days ago. I also thought of it and will administer twice a year. Also will do as advised and revert soonest. Kind regards .

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Wishing you great Health

Detailed Answer:
Dear Mr XXXXXXX

That's good to know you have deformed.
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari