Skip to content

allergic shiners

The MastAttack 107: The Layperson’s Guide to Understanding Mast Cell Diseases, Part 52

64. Why do I always have dark circles around my eyes?

It is not unusual for people who are having allergic reactions to have “allergic shiners.” Allergic shiners are dark circles around the eyes, especially evident under the eye where they may look like “bags.” There is not a definitive reason for why they occur but it is thought to be the result of poor circulation near the sinuses. In these patients, nasal congestion is common. This interferes with the normal circulation of blood near the sinuses. The blood “backs up” and pools in the blood vessels nearby. These blood vessels expand to accommodate the extra blood in them. Since the skin is very thin around the eyes, when these blood vessels expand, you can see the blood through the skin, giving an appearance of a dark circle under the eye.

65. Does mast cell disease cause hair loss?

Yes, sometimes. Mast cells release huge amount of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). They release so much PGD2 that testing for it in urine is one of the more common steps in diagnosing mast cell disease. PGD2 has been linked to hair loss, especially in the scalp of men who experience hair loss. Exactly how PGD2 causes hair loss is still heavily researched, but it seems to stop hair follicles from maturing normally.

PGD2 causes an array of far reaching symptoms. For this reason, many mast cell patients take medications or supplements to decrease mast cell release of PGD2. Aspirin and other NSAIDs are often used. These medications interfere with specific molecules called COX-1 and COX-2. Without these molecules, cells are not able to make prostaglandins like PGD2. There are a number of supplements that can also interfere with one or both of the COX molecules. Curcumin or turmeric is sometimes used for this purpose. (Keep in mind that aspirin and NSAIDs are NOT safe for many patients. Patients should never add a medication or supplement without discussing it with a provider that knows their specific health situation.)

Some medications commonly used by mast cell patients can also contribute to hair loss. H2 antihistamines can sometimes cause hair loss. Some NSAIDS may also do this, even though they should help stop hair loss as I mentioned above. In more serious instances of mast cell disease, patients may need immunosuppressants, interferon therapy, or chemotherapy. These can cause varying degrees of hair loss, too. Steroids like prednisone may also decrease hair production.