Dark eye circles are round pigmented patches situated under the eye area or along the skin of the orbit of the eye. These circles usually occur as a result of tiny blood capillaries located under the surface of the skin, which may rupture, and leak red blood cells into the surrounding skin (hematoma). Red blood cells are then broken down by enzymes in the body resulting in the byproduct of a bluish pigment. The formation of dark circles under the eye circles is the result of this bluish pigment, hence the name ‘blue eye’ or ‘black eye’. Although dark eye circles are common amongst adults it can occur in children, affecting both males and females. While hematomas are responsible for the most severe darkening unde rthe eyes, any prolonged inflammation in this area will lead to darkening, either due to eye strain, lack of sleep, allergies or use of certain cosmetics.

Picture of Severe Spider Veins & Varicose Veins

Telangiectasia is a condition commonly referred to as spider veins, where thin dilated blood vessels connected to larger blood vessels are visible at the skin’s surface. These veins appear in clusters of bluish-purple or red zones and are often shaped in a ’spider’s web’, hence the name spider veins. Although this condition can affect a small percentage of males it is mostly common in females. Unlike varicose veins, spider veins do not bulge or extend above the surface of the skin.

Skin Lighteners & Whitening of the Skin Complexion

Skin lighteners (bleaching or whitening creams) are a commonly used cosmetic product among men and women looking for a lighter skin complexion (‘fair skin’) for aesthetic purposes. Cultural misconceptions and personal beliefs about the appeal of a lighter skin complexion have made these creams, soaps and lotions a popular beauty product in Asia and Africa among darker skinned ethnic groups. A lack of appropriate regulation in many developing countries allows for these products to be sold over-the-counter although it contains pharmacologically active and toxic compounds like hydroquinones, corticosteroids and mercury.

What is folliculitis?

Folliculitis is a common condition involving the hair follicle. The hair in the follicle which normally grows in an upward direction curves and re-enters the skins surface resulting in the appearance of small white pimples or clusters of red bumps around the hair follicle. Bearded areas (sycosis barbae) on the facial skin are often infected with the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , resulting in pain, swelling and redness of the skin.

Melasma is a hyperpigmentation (dark skin discoloration) disorder that is characterized with dark brown symmetric patches on the surface of the skin, primarily affecting the face. Melanin is a brown pigment produced by melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of our skin. Based on racial and environmental differences, the melanin concentration differs from person to person although certain medical conditions, drugs and topical applications (creams, gels, ointments) can also change skin pigmentation.

Causes of Melasma

Hyperpigmentation is the increased melanin production causing a characteristic dark discoloration of the skin. The increased melanin (pigment) production is often an indication of hormone imbalances in the body and therefore melasma is commonly found in women who are pregnant or on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).