Periorbital hyperpigmentation, also known as hereditary dark circles, is characterized by darker skin around the
eyes
An eye is a sensory organ that allows an organism to perceive visual information. It detects light and converts it into electro-chemical impulses in neurons (neurones). It is part of an organism's visual system.
In higher organisms, the ey ...
caused by the presence of additional
melanin
Melanin (; ) is a family of biomolecules organized as oligomers or polymers, which among other functions provide the pigments of many organisms. Melanin pigments are produced in a specialized group of cells known as melanocytes.
There are ...
. It is an extremely common
hereditary
Heredity, also called inheritance or biological inheritance, is the passing on of traits from parents to their offspring; either through asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction, the offspring cells or organisms acquire the genetic inform ...
human characteristic and is frequently found on individuals with
dark skin
Dark skin is a type of human skin color that is rich in melanin pigments. People with dark skin are often referred to as black people, although this usage can be ambiguous in some countries where it is also used to specifically refer to differe ...
. Periorbital hyperpigmentation is most prevalent within the 16–25 age group.
See also
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Eye shadow
Eye shadow (or eyeshadow) is a cosmetic applied primarily to the eyelids to attract attention to the wearer's eyes, making them stand out or look more attractive. Eye shadow can also be applied under the eyes, on the cheeks, or to brow bones.
...
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Kohl (cosmetics)
Kohl is a cosmetic product traditionally made by crushing stibnite (antimony sulfide). Modern kohl formulations often contain galena (lead sulfide), and in some cases charcoal or other pigments. Kohl is similar to eyeliner, which was traditi ...
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Freckle
Freckles are clusters of concentrated melaninized cells which are most easily visible on people with a fair complexion. Freckles do not have an increased number of the melanin-producing cells, or melanocytes, but instead have melanocytes that ov ...
s
References
External links
{{Cutaneous-condition-stub
Disturbances of human pigmentation
Periorbital conditions