How To Prevent Allergic Shiners

When many people think of allergy symptoms, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes are a few symptoms that may come to mind. However, some people get "allergic shiners," or dark circles that appear under the eyes due to allergies, Smith Allergy & Asthma Specialists reports. Allergic shiners sometimes resemble a real "shiner," or a black eye that often develops after some type of injury. Thankfully, while allergic shiners may look like the real thing, they're usually nothing to be concerned about.

Despite a black eye and allergic shiners having similarities, the two are very different. For example, according to MedicalNewsToday, allergic shiners can appear blue or purple in color, but that's about as close as it'll look to a black eye. This is because allergic shiners appear from allergies, not an injury or other type of trauma. Because allergic shiners are from allergies, most people also experience other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, congestion, cough, or itchy throat.

If you've ever experienced an allergic shiner, you can blame congestion. According to Healthline, allergic shiners are caused by the congestion in your sinuses. When you have allergies, it's possible for the congestion in your sinuses to move to the small veins located beneath your eyes. These small veins then begin to swell and fill with blood, resulting in the dark circles you see on the skin. Those with allergies that affect the eyes have a greater risk of developing allergic shiners.

To help prevent allergic shiners, you'll first want to understand your allergies. Verywell Health reports you can reduce allergy symptoms by avoiding things that trigger your allergies, such as pollen or pet dander. If you're unsure of your allergies, you can reach out to your doctor for an allergy test. In the meantime, taking allergy medications can also reduce allergy symptoms. Use a cold compress on the darkened areas, but ensure you use a barrier between the compress and your skin.