Redness beneath the lower eyelid is a common concern that can be attributed to a variety of causes. This discoloration reflects either an inflammatory process, a structural characteristic of the skin, or a reaction to external factors. Understanding the underlying reason for the redness is the first step toward finding relief and addressing it. The thinness of the skin in this region makes it particularly susceptible to showing changes in underlying structures or reacting visibly to irritation and systemic changes.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
A frequent cause of redness is inflammation affecting the skin itself, which often presents as a rash, flaking, or itchiness. One common culprit is contact dermatitis, where the skin reacts to something it has touched, such as specific ingredients in makeup, cleansers, or even nail polish transferred by rubbing the eyes. This condition is classified as either irritant, which causes direct damage to the skin barrier, or allergic, which triggers an immune response to a specific substance.
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic condition that can affect the periorbital area, leading to inflamed, dry, and scaly patches. People with a history of eczema, hay fever, or asthma are more likely to experience these flare-ups around the eyes. The visible redness in these inflammatory conditions results from the dilation of capillaries near the skin’s surface. This increased blood flow to the area is a vascular response that results in a persistent red or pink hue.
Visibility of Underlying Vasculature
Sometimes, redness is due not to active inflammation but to the physical structure of the skin and circulatory dynamics. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the entire body, often measuring less than one millimeter thick, which makes underlying blood vessels highly visible. This anatomical feature can give the area a reddish, purplish, or bluish appearance, which is often mistaken for a skin disorder.
Vascular congestion, or the pooling of blood in these fine vessels, contributes significantly to the discoloration. When blood flow is sluggish or veins are weakened, deoxygenated blood gathers, giving the area a darker, more prominent hue. This effect is magnified by systemic factors like fatigue and dehydration, which can make the skin paler and more translucent overall. Lack of sleep causes capillaries to dilate as part of a stress response, and dehydration reduces skin volume, increasing the prominence of the vessels underneath.
Lifestyle and External Irritants
Daily habits and environmental exposures are powerful contributors to under-eye redness. Excessive sun exposure is a significant factor because ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages collagen, the structural protein that gives skin its thickness. As collagen degrades, the skin thins further, making blood vessels more apparent and the area more susceptible to irritation.
Mechanical trauma, such as chronic rubbing or scratching of the eyes, causes direct physical irritation and inflammation. This repeated friction can also lead to post-inflammatory changes, causing the skin to darken in response to the injury. Common cosmetic and household products contain various ingredients that can act as irritants. Cleansers, soaps, and new cosmetic formulations can compromise the delicate skin barrier, leading to dryness and irritation in the periorbital region.
Fluid retention from dietary factors, notably a high intake of sodium, can exacerbate redness by increasing puffiness around the eyes. This swelling stretches the thin skin, which can, in turn, make the underlying vascular network look more pronounced. Airborne irritants, such as pollution, smoke, or strong fragrances, can also trigger a reaction that results in redness and irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin.
Treatment Options and Medical Consultation
For mild cases of under-eye redness, simple home care strategies can offer relief. Applying a cool compress to the closed eyelids helps constrict dilated blood vessels and reduce localized swelling. Moisturizing the area with a hypoallergenic cream or ointment helps repair the skin barrier and protect the delicate tissue from further external irritation.
Proper sun protection, including the regular use of sunglasses and a broad-spectrum SPF, is important to prevent further thinning and damage. Medical consultation is warranted when redness is persistent, painful, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. These symptoms include discharge, significant swelling, pain, or a change in vision.
A doctor or dermatologist can perform tests, such as patch testing, to identify specific allergens if contact dermatitis is suspected. Treatment may involve prescription-strength anti-inflammatory agents, such such as mild topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, to manage severe inflammation and allergic reactions. For redness rooted in vascular visibility, professional treatments like laser therapy, which targets and reduces the appearance of prominent blood vessels, may be considered.