What condition causes raccoon eyes?

Author: Matt Fahey  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Raccoon eyes may be a warning sign of pressure in your skull around your brain (intracranial hypertension). It can also be a warning sign that you're leaking brain fluid and could be at risk for a serious infection around your brain. Intracranial hypertension and brain fluid leaks are medical emergencies.

What are raccoon eyes a symptom of?

Raccoon eyes is a clinical sign characterised by the presence of uni- or bilateral periorbital ecchymosis that manifests 2–3days after head trauma, which is associated with basilar skull fracture. Periorbital ecchymosis does not typically affect the superior tarsus, as the orbital septum hinders blood extravasation.

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 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 causes a black eye without injury?

Other causes of black eyes include: Sinus infections, or an allergy or allergic reaction (from a bee sting to the nose or eyelid, for example). Facial surgery such as nasal surgery. Aesthetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections.

Racoon Eyes Due To Amyloidosis

What can cause spontaneous black eye?

Spontaneous periocular ecchymosis (SPE)

The causes are often quite serious and include: Amyloidosis. Certain types of cancer. Increased intracranial pressure along with vascular malformations in your eye area.

What vitamin deficiency is black circles?

Dark circles under the eyes can indicate health problems. Dermatologists advise checking for deficiencies in vitamins D, K, and E, and recommend lifestyle changes. Dark circles under the eyes aren't just a cosmetic concern, they can also signal underlying health issues.

What cancers cause dark circles under eyes?

The most common signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma include:
  • a lump in the abdomen.
  • a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
  • bulging of the eyes.
  • dark circles around the eyes.
  • bone pain.
  • low levels of all 3 types of blood cells (called pancytopenia)
  • lumps or bumps in the skin that are sometimes blue.
  • diarrhea.

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 is racoon eyes myeloma?

The triad of unilateral or bilateral rapidly progressive proptosis, periorbital ecchymosis and edema are called raccoon eyes [4]. This typical presentation could be seen in the skull base fracture, orbital metastasis of solid malignancies, myxedema, amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, lymphoma and hemophilia.

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 allergies cause dark circles under the eyes?

However, allergens that are always around — like pet dander and dust mites — can cause allergic shiners year round. Itchy or watery eyes can also make the appearance of allergic shiners worse. Rubbing your eyes for relief may cause further irritation to your skin.

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.

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

The deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause specific skin manifestations, such as hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair and nail changes [1].

Does low iron cause black circles?

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

What do dark circles say about health?

If you have dark circles under your eyes, it's probably just a sign of aging, lack of sleep or another common cause. It's usually not caused by a medical problem. But if you have a dark circle or swelling under just one eye, call a healthcare provider.

What autoimmune disease affects the eyes?

Sjögren's disease, also known as Sjögren's and Sjögren's syndrome, is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disorder that happens when the immune system attacks the glands that make moisture in the eyes, mouth, and other parts of the body.

What are the first warning signs of lupus?

The most common signs and symptoms include:
  • Fatigue.
  • Fever.
  • Joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
  • Butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose or rashes elsewhere on the body.
  • Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure.

Why do I suddenly have raccoon eyes?

An injury is the most common cause of raccoon eyes. Broken blood vessels (capillaries) cause blood to pool beneath the skin around your eyes. It doesn't take much to break these blood vessels since they're delicate.

Can high blood pressure cause a black eye?

It's unusual for a black eye to develop unexpectedly, when there hasn't been an injury, but a possible explanation is high blood pressure causing a capillary to burst, or one of the conditions listed below.

What is amyloidosis in racoon eyes?

AL amyloidosis is a rare disease in which light-chain-derived amyloid proteins are deposited in multiple organs, causing organ dysfunction. Amyloid deposits in the blood vessels of the skin may be found as purpura. Periorbital ecchymosis is known as raccoon eye sign.

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