raccoon eyes- facial redness besides around the eyes

[jklop]

My face is more tan than red but the redness makes a circular outline around my eyes which makes it look like i've been wearing sunglasses and got burned, but not around my eyes.  People are always commenting on it saying things like, "looks like you've been wearing sunglasses" and it's getting very annoying.  Is there anything I can do to even it out or get rid of the redness?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to dermatitis skin. Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your face with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your face dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves.If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then please get it evaluated from a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[jklop]

How would I do that?

[acekun]

you could try making sure your face is cool when you sleep...

"Overheating in bed has been associated with the following adverse skin conditions – doona eyes, facial dermatitis, peri-oral dermatitis, grover’s disease, facial excrescences, atopic eczema, acne and hair and scalp problems.  Source:  Dr Hugh Molloy and Dr Garry Egger Good Skin book."