What to do for dark circles under my eyes that look like they are painted black after 6 years?

Question #29707

9 hours ago

What to do for dark circles under my eyes that look like they are painted black after 6 years? - #29707

Client_5f65b9

my eyea was covered with dark circle ..but it is covered in upper area so darker as it painted with black paint ...idk how to recover from this ..i have been using ice cubes and vitamin e capsule ...or whether i should meet the skin doctor ..am suffering with this problem nearly 6 or 7 years

How often do you notice the dark circles?:

- Always present

Have you tried any other treatments besides ice cubes and vitamin E?:

- No, just those

Do you have any other symptoms around your eyes?:

- No other symptoms

How would you describe your sleep quality?:

- Good — sound sleep

Have you experienced any significant stress or changes in your lifestyle recently?:

- Yes, a lot of stress

Is there a family history of dark circles or skin conditions?:

- No known history

What is your daily routine like regarding diet and hydration?:

- Not sure about my diet

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Doctors' responses

Dr. Arsha K Isac

I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.

8 hours ago

What you’re describing sounds like chronic periorbital hyperpigmentation—basically long-standing dark circles that can be due to pigmentation, thin skin, or shadowing. Ice and vitamin E won’t fix this, especially after 6–7 years.
The key is targeted care. Use a gentle under-eye cream with ingredients like caffeine (reduces darkness from blood pooling), niacinamide (brightens), or a mild retinol (thickens skin over time). Daily sunscreen around the eyes is essential—even indoors—because sun exposure keeps the area dark. Since you mentioned stress and uncertain diet, low iron, dehydration, and vitamin deficiencies (like B12) can also worsen this, so improving nutrition and checking blood levels can help.
If it looks “painted black,” it’s likely deeper pigmentation or structural shadowing, which usually needs medical treatment—like chemical peels, laser, or prescription creams. So yes, after this long, seeing a dermatologist is the right step for real improvement.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi

I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.

8 hours ago

Hello dear
See they seems acne or dark spots due to stress
Hormonal alterations
Please do not worry and follow instructions below.
Usually the appearance ranges from red inflammatory to comedonal white heads.
These may or may not be associated with periods.
Medications:
1. Topical Treatments -Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%)	twice a day  for week
Salicylic Acid, Adapalene 0.1% can also be given as additive medications.
2.Clindamycin 1%	Clindac A	,Tretinoin	( if already not taken).
3.Azelaic Acid	10 percent for two weeks.
4. Oral Medications -tablet Doxycycline 1 month twice a day  for max 5 days
or Tab Minocycline	 ( take precautions to avoid in pregnancy)
5.Oral contraceptives - Diane-35 with addition of Spironolactone	 on recommendation only by gynacologist in person only
Supportive medications
Niacinamide serum –antiinflammatory in nature twice daily for 1 week
In addition use aloevera - tulsi solution to apply topically for 1 month
In case of no improvement in 1 month, kindly consult dermatologist in person for better clarification
Regards

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Dr. Shayeque Reza

I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.

6 hours ago

Long-standing darkening around the eyes, especially on the upper eyelids, is usually caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, stress, pigmentation, thin skin, eye rubbing, allergies, sun exposure, dehydration, or nutritional deficiencies. Since you have had this for 6–7 years and it appears very dark “like black paint,” it may be more related to hyperpigmentation or vascular dark circles rather than simple tiredness. Ice cubes can temporarily reduce puffiness, but they usually do not treat the actual cause, and vitamin E capsules often give limited results and may even irritate sensitive skin in some people.
You should focus on:
Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen around the eyes (gel/lightweight if oily skin)
Good hydration and balanced diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and protein
Avoid rubbing the eyes
Use gentle eye creams containing caffeine, niacinamide, retinol, or vitamin C (slowly and carefully)
Reduce stress as much as possible because chronic stress can worsen pigmentation and dull skin
Since the problem is severe and persistent for many years, seeing a dermatologist (skin doctor) would be a good idea. They can determine whether this is pigmentation, allergy-related darkening, eczema, or thinning skin, and may suggest treatments such as prescription creams, chemical peels, or laser therapy if appropriate. Sometimes doctors also recommend checking blood tests like iron levels, vitamin B12, or thyroid function if fatigue or pallor is present.

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Dr. Nirav Jain

I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.

6 hours ago

Hello, thank you for sharing your concern. Dark circles like you’re describing are quite common, but they usually have multiple causes, not just one. Most likely causes in your case might be Genetic / constitutional pigmentation (very common) or Stress + screen exposure or Thin under-eye skin, etc. Ice cubes and vitamin E alone usually don’t give significant improvement, which is why you’re not seeing results. What you should do now-
1. Basic care (very important)- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Use sunscreen daily, even around eyes. Wear sunglasses outdoors. Keep yourself well hydrated.
2. Improve diet- Include Green vegetables, Fruits & Milk / protein sources. If possible, get these tests done- CBC & Vitamin B12.
3. Use proper under-eye treatment- Look for creams containing Caffeine (reduces darkness/puffiness), Niacinamide (for pigmentation) & Hyaluronic acid (hydration). Apply gently, don’t rub.
4. Sleep & stress- Even if sleep is “okay”, stress alone can worsen pigmentation. Try relaxation techniques.
Should you see a skin doctor? Yes, if possible, because Long duration (6–7 years). You May need Medical creams (like mild retinoids or depigmenting agents) or Procedures (peels/lasers) if severe.
Natural improvement takes weeks to months. Complete removal is difficult, but significant lightening is possible. This is a very common, non-dangerous condition, but it needs consistent care and the right treatment, not just home remedies.
Feel free to reach out again.
Regards,
Dr. Nirav Jain
MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat

I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.

3 hours ago

Hello
Dark circles can be quite stubborn, especially when they’ve been around for so long. It sounds like you’ve been trying some good home remedies like ice cubes and vitamin E, but if you’re not seeing improvement, it might be time to consider a few other options.
1. Hydration: Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to dark circles.
2. Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep can worsen dark circles.
3. Diet: Incorporate foods rich in vitamins C and K, as well as antioxidants. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts can help improve skin health.
4. Sun Protection: Use a good sunscreen around your eyes to prevent further pigmentation. Look for a sunscreen specifically designed for the delicate eye area.
5. Eye Creams: Consider using an eye cream that contains ingredients like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, or retinol. These can help reduce puffiness and improve skin texture.
6. Consult a Dermatologist: Since you’ve been dealing with this for several years, it would be a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can assess your skin and recommend treatments like chemical peels, laser therapy, or topical treatments that might be more effective.
Meeting with a skin doctor can provide you with tailored solutions and possibly faster results.
Thank you

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