Dark circles around eyes

[Aeowin777]

I know it’s a vanity thing but does anyone else suffer from eyes that almost look like you’ve got a black eye? Since being on prednisone I have huge dark hollows under both eyes - not sure if it’s the drugs or insomnia - probably both. I’m 54 and I see photos before the pmr hit a year ago compared to now and honestly I look like I’ve aged 10-15 years. Does anyone think it’s related and will improve as condition improves and prednisone reduces? It’s really made me loose confidence and concealer doesn’t even cover I feel people look at me like I’m really sick and shouldn’t be at work etc

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

seems quite common for some..this related post is 5years old, but does have some suggestions for concealing it -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

Think it’s probably more likely lack of sleep, but might be worth discussing with GP provided you can!

[Seacat30]

I have always had dark areas under my eyes but it got really bad and much baggier. I don't think that I had it with undiagnosed PMR. I believe it came on with steroids but don't know whether it was the drug or lack of sleep. It has got much better with reduced dose and more sleep.

[Aeowin777 in reply to Seacat30]

oh that’s good to hear. I’m on 7mg at min and still look like I’ve been in a fight 😂.

[Seacat30 in reply to Aeowin777]

Fingers crossed to see some improvement soon.

[Hidden]

I've got bags under my eyes too. They've become so bad I wear sunglasses whenever I can. No one comments on it of course but whenever I look in a mirror and the light is at the right angle I have to look away in embarrassment even if there's no one else in the room! You're not alone.

[Aeowin777 in reply to Hidden]

oh bless you I know what you mean. It’s comforting that it seems a thing with many of you and I’m not alone but would not wish it on anyone. The pmr is bad enough taking your movement and energy but then it also makes you look how you feel with the haggard look round the eyes.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Never really noticed shadows - bags, yes! But I wear glasses, sunglasses all summer - such things are camouflaged!

[autumnlass]

I have huge bags Aeowin777! Looks like I’ve been in a fight with a professional boxer! I look dreadful in certain lights - like hairdressers where mirror and spotlights highlight them. 🫣. Look an old lady… well I am in comparison with you! I use No 7 concealer cream and over eyelids too. Helps a bit. 😅

[Aeowin777 in reply to autumnlass]

that made me smile 😊 I think we do have to be lighthearted about it and try not to let it get us down x

[piglette]

I had both black shadows and bags. I got something, I believe off eBay for black shadows. It was a home made remedy. The black shadows seem to have disappeared. It may have been because I have reduced the steroids of course and nothing to do with the magic potion I got off eBay.

[autumnlass in reply to piglette]

Wow piglette that’s sounds interesting and homemade too! Can one make it? 🙂

[piglette in reply to autumnlass]

I assume so, I just can’t remember what it was. I noticed last night after I read your email that the eye cream I have now is Clinique in a pinkish pot, which says improves bags and circles on it, so I am not sure if that is helping too. The black bags seem to have gone though.

[autumnlass in reply to piglette]

Thanks piglette - I’ll Google it!

[MrsNails]

Hi Aeowin,

Yes l get two very black eyes from time to time & in my experience it’s when l feel unwell & my PMR is flaring but it’s right in the corners either side of my nose. I use a good concealer & hopefully it’s not too noticeable.

[winfong]

I get dark circles & bags whenever I'm in pain or not getting enough sleep. I must admit, though, they look a lot better than before I got treatment for my allergies.

Not sure if I'm going to go the concealer route though. 😉

[Witchipoo41]

I was always told how young I looked for my age and was proud of it until I developed PMR. I have since been on prednisolone for a couple years now and to be honest I too seemed to have aged too quickly, especially around my eyes which have developed what I can only describe as crepey puffy bags. My skin on my body has also gone crepey, and what with the constant fatigue I feel like 90 yrs old which is mentally depressing.

My Rheumatologist has decided to put me on methotrexate which are just as bad as the steroids as I now suffer with terrible nausea for a day or two after taking, and sore mouth ulcers....so fed up.

[Aeowin777 in reply to Witchipoo41]

same too - it is very upsetting to suddenly be thrown in to such a big physical change x can only hope when we are recovered and off the meds things will improve.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Witchipoo41]

Have you been given folic acid to go with the methotrexate? That is essential to minimise the adverse effects. Some doctors - for unknown reasons - only give folic acid once a week while others use it up to 6x a week. If you have ulcers - you need more.

My rheumy says to take half the dose before bed, the rest the next morning, and he finds that reduces the nausea. The alternative is to have injections - they usually avoid the nausea.

But you don't have to take MTX - they can't force you. There are no guarantees it will get you off pred and it is only worth it if your QOL is improved. And it isn't is it? How much pred are you on now?

[Witchipoo41 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi, I started on 15mg of mxt, then 20mg and upped to 25mg and folic acid 10mg once a week. I am also on 2.5mg prednisolone. Since my original post I have decided to stop taking mxt but am worried I will have a flare up. However, until I do I'm not taking the mxt as I hate the side effects. If necessary I will up my dose of pred but no doubt my rheumatologist won't be happy when I see him on the 10th November, but I don't want mxt anymore.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Witchipoo41]

10mg folic acid once a week isn't a lot - many people need 6x5mg on the non-MXT days. But I hear you about the side effects - they finished me off!