Causes of Dark Circles Under Eyes in Children

Dark circles under a child's eyes is generally not a serious condition. These circles do not signal lack of sleep or poor health. Though you may want to have your child checked by your doctor, the most likely cause of dark circles is nasal congestion from allergies or hay fever. Some children may suffer dark circles as a result of chronic sinus infections or recurrent colds, but this is less common.
Dark circles from allergies are frequent enough to have earned a nickname, "allergic shiners." An article published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology notes that this condition may give early warning in children prone to allergies.

Allergies and Hay Fever

• Allergies happen when your child's immune system overreacts to a substance. Pollen, mold and ragweed are common environmental allergies and are one cause of the nasal congestion. Your doctor can order tests to pinpoint the exact triggers of an allergy.

Chronic Sinus Infections

• Chronic sinus infections happen when the nasal membranes are swollen and inflamed. This causes your child's face to feel enlarged. The increased blood flow can result in dark circles.

Recurrent Colds

• Usually caused by a virus, colds can also mimic the symptoms of allergies or a sinus infection. Though the cause is different, the result is the same.

Treatment

• Colds are usually left to run their natural course, unless a secondary infection develops. Sinus infections are treated with antibiotics suitable for children. Allergies are treated with antihistamines or immunotherapy shots that may take between 3 to 5 years to be effective, estimates the Mayo Clinic.

Results

• Once the underlying cause of the dark circles is addressed, they usually disappear.