First of all it doesnt look like a skin disease but rather a benign hyperpigmentation. Have you had irritation around your eyes in the past? Sensitive skin especially around the eyes? Have you been exposing your self in the sun without sunglasses and face suncream? Its hard to apply depigmenting agents in that area. If you are a smoker try to cut down on it and try to take Vitamin C supplements ( not more than 500mg pill ). Did it happen after a pregnancy or a hormonal event? Do you have a hormonal related health problem? Let me know what you have used already
Thank you for your reply. I haven't had problems with sensitive skin around my eyes, but I do have allergies. My last episode was approximately 2 months ago and caused my eyes to itch and swell. I wear contacts about 25% of the time, and glasses 50% of the time. I have tried Olay, Roc, Avon, Clinique, Garnier, and other "miracle" products for under-eye circles, then I finally came to the conclusion that it's hyperpigmentation therefore those products won't help. I then tried one product for skin-lightening, even though you aren't supposed to use it around your eyes. I don't recall the name, but it faded the large area slightly, but left what looked like sunspots. The foundation I use has sunscreen in it. I don't make an attempt to get a tan. I don't wear sunglasses because my prescription glasses are Transitions, but they are small lenses and don't cover the area well.
I don't take birth control. I take hydrochlorithiazide for high blood pressure, Flonase for allergies, (which is the best allergy medication I've ever tried), and Effexor for bi-polar disorder, type 2, and vitamin D. Thyroid is normal.
My grandmother had the same pigmentation under her eyes, though not to this extent. Now that I think of it, the skin above my lips is getting darker, as well, making it appear that I have a mustache.
If this is indeed hormonal, should I see my gyno or dermatologist? My GP won't be of any help. (Gotta love networks...)
I forgot to add that I've always been a non-smoker, (allergic), and I haven't had any hormonal related issues since I took birth control approximately 5 years ago, (it affects my mood disorder). My last child was born in 1997.
Do you remember if you had then before you started using Effexor? There is a good chance they are related. Please let me know cos i think its a hormonal related issue