Periorbital hyperchromia (dark eye circles) is a recurrent complaint in dermatologic consultations, as it interferes with patients’ self esteem. The eyes are central in the communication process, and dark eye circles are very noticeable and make the face look tired; thus they have a considerable impact on patients’ quality of life. Although many treatment options are available, publications on periorbital hyperpigmentation are scarce, and the vast majority lack a sound scientific basis to prove their efficacy and duration. This article analyzes the palpebral region’s anatomy and periorbital hyperchromia’s epidemiology, etiopathogeny, and treatments recommended in the literature.

Keywords: HYPERPIGMENTATION, EYELIDS, SKIN PIGMENTATION, PRODUCTS FOR EYES AREAS

Introduction: Periorbital hyperchromia or "dark circles" is a common complaint, due to the fact that it interferes with patients' self-esteem. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of periorbital hyperchromia and its possible etiopathogenetic factors in a population sample drawn from a state and university dermatology service in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional, prospective study. Data collection questionnaire given to patients who visited the Dermatology Department of UFCSPA, from November 2011 to April 2012. Results: From a total of 220 investigated patients, there was a predominance of women with skin phototypes 2 and 3 and a mean age of 42.2 years.The use of sunscreen and corrective makeup were seen in 59.8% and 40.4% of studied patients, respectively. Presence of septal deviation was observed in 6.8% of patients, snoring at night in 48.4%, asthma in 15.1%, rhinitis in 44.7%, atopic dermatitis in 11.2%, mouth breathing in 20.1% and other types of allergy in 28.6%. Half of the sample mentioned sleeping 5 to 7 hours per night. Smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity were reported by 19.2%, 32.9% and 42.9% of patients, respectively.A family history of dark circles was described in 63.7% of cases. Conclusions: periorbital hyperchromia predominated in women of low skin phototypes, during their 4th decade of life and who reported daily use of sunscreen, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, smoking habit, allergies, sleep deprivation, and a family history of dark circles.

Keywords: EYES; QUALITY OF LIFE; DERMATOLOGY.