What do dark circles under a child’s eyes indicate?

Dark circles alone need not be a cause for concern if the child is otherwise healthy. Parents should, however, consult a paediatrician if the discolouration persists or is accompanied by other symptoms |Image used for representational purpose only | Photo Credit: File Photo A child may wake up after a full night’s sleep and still have dark circles under the eyes. For some children, this may simply be a family trait. In others, it could be associated with allergies, persistent nasal congestion or skin conditions. Dark circles, also referred to as periorbital hyperpigmentation, are not a condition in themselves. While parents may immediately associate dark circles with inadequate sleep or nutritional deficiencies, their causes can be more varied. Published - November 05, 2026 05:10 pm IST