What causes raccoon eyes in children?

Author: Mr. Noah Corkery  |  Last update: Saturday, October 11, 2025

Raccoon eyes are easily recognized and generally believed to be a common symptom of basal skull fractures. However, it may be a sign of some health threatening situations such as amyloidosis, Kaposi's sarcoma, multiple myeloma, and neuroblastoma.

Why does my kid have raccoon eyes?

Raccoon eyes are bruises around your eyes where blood pools underneath your skin. The bruises are darker than your natural skin tone and are often blue to purple. It's usually a sign of an injury, like a skull fracture.

What deficiency causes raccoon eyes?

Raccoon eyes occur due to increased vascular fragility caused by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils. Amyloidosis can be directly associated with bleeding diathesis due to factor X deficiency since factor X binds to amyloid fibrils primarily in the liver and spleen.

What deficiency causes dark circles in children?

Insufficient vitamin A may lead to the formation of dark circles under your child's eyes. It is vital to be conscious of the daily eating habits of your child. This is the only way to ensure they are getting sufficient fruits and vegetables that are not only rich in vitamin A but also other essential nutrients.

What do raccoon eyes indicate?

Raccoon eyes are usually a symptom of an injury to the eyes or head. Injuries can stretch and tear tiny blood vessels called capillaries under your eyes. Blood leaks into the skin and turns it a dark purple color.

Why the Dark Circles Under Your Child's Eyes

What autoimmune disease causes dark circles under eyes?

There are several types of lupus, including systemic lupus erythematosus — the most common type — and cutaneous lupus erythematosus, which affects only the skin. If you suspect a connection between the dark circles under your eyes and your lupus diagnosis, you could be right.

What is a differential diagnosis of raccoon eyes?

Differential diagnosis includes both trivial, benign conditions, and severe conditions, with neuroblastoma, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis being the most frequent (Table 1). Table 1. Causes of bilateral palpebral ecchymosis. In conclusion, the raccoon sign is easy to identify in the physical examination.

Why does my 7 year old have dark circles under his eyes?

Many factors may contribute to them. It may be a product of genetics or having thinner skin under the eyes. In other situations, dark circles that appear for the first time, get worse, or come with other symptoms could be a sign of an underlying condition, such as dehydration, allergies, or a nutritional deficiency.

Does low iron cause dark circles?

The following symptoms of iron deficiency in the eyes may occur: Dark circles under the eyes. Burning or painful eyes. Blurred vision.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause dark circles?

Vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin B12, E, K and D, have been associated with dark circles. 4- Volume Loss: Hollowness or the sunken appearance of the eyelids is the final primary cause of dark circles.

How do you fix raccoon eyes?

Cut back on salt, eliminate high sodium foods and dairy, increase water intake, reduce fat, simple carbs and sweets, and exercise regularly. These lifestyle changes will reduce weight and water retention, and improve raccoon eyes, blood pressure, general health, skin tone and self-esteem.

What is racoon eyes lupus?

The child can present with erythematous rashes in the peri-orbital region called as raccoon eyes, congenital heart block, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis. It is often termed as cutaneous neonatal lupus syndrome if the presentation is limited to skin alone.

What diseases cause dark circles around the eyes?

It is possible, though, for the appearance of darker skin in the area under the eyes to arise from an existing health problem. This can include asthma, allergies, poor circulation, hormonal shifts, malnutrition, anemia and diseases that affect the liver or kidneys.

What are raccoon eyes pediatric?

Raccoon's eyes (periorbital ecchymosis) may present as the first sign in patients with skull base/base/facial fractures and tumors. In childhood, orbital metastases of neuroblastoma should be considered in the absence of trauma history.

Why is my child so pale with dark circles?

Anemia. Anemia is when there are not enough red blood cells in the body to move oxygen around, which can lead to dark circles under the eyes, pale skin, and a host of health problems.

What vitamin deficiency causes racoon eyes?

Raccoon eyes occur due to increased vascular fragility caused by the accumulation of amyloid fibrils. Amyloidosis can be directly associated with bleeding diathesis due to factor X deficiency since factor X binds to amyloid fibrils primarily in the liver and spleen.

What do anemic eyes look like?

Yellowish sclera – In other types of anemia, such as hemolytic or sickle cell anemia, the whites of the eyes can develop a yellowish color. Pale inner lower eyelid – Iron deficiency anemia can cause the inside of the lower eyelids to become yellowish or pale instead of a healthy red.

What are the three stages of iron deficiency?

This occurs in three stages:
  • First stage. Iron stores decrease. Your low iron supply hasn't affected your red blood cells yet.
  • Second stage. When iron stores are low, your body alters the way it processes red blood cells. ...
  • Third stage. Hemoglobin drops below the normal range.

Does screen time cause dark circles?

An unhealthy diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals, particularly Vitamin C and Zinc, can contribute to dark circles. Eye strain: Prolonged screen time can cause blood vessels around the eyes to enlarge, resulting in the appearance of dark circles.

What are raccoon eyes a symptom of?

Raccoon eyes, also known as panda eyes or periorbital ecchymosis, is a sign of basal skull fracture or subgaleal hematoma, a craniotomy that ruptured the meninges, or (rarely) certain cancers.

What is the panda eye syndrome?

The 'Raccoon sign' comprises unilateral or bilateral progressive periorbital ecchymosis associated with edema.[1] It is also referred to as the 'raccoon eyes' and the 'panda sign.' The pooling of blood around the eyes is most commonly associated with fractures of the base of the anterior cranial fossa.

How to fix raccoon eyes?

5 ways to stop raccoon eyes in their tracks
  1. Increase blood circulation through lifestyle changes (diet/exercise)
  2. Improve elasticity with gentle massage.
  3. Take antihistamines to control itchy eyes associated with allergies.
  4. Use sunscreen daily (be sure it is safe for use near the eyes)

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