Shiner in the term allergic shiners means black eye or dark circles under the eyes. People who suffer from nasal allergies may experience darkness and/or swelling underneath one or both eyes on a fairly constant basis. These allergic shiners can be unsightly but they tend not to signify serious problems. Instead they’re simply the result of congestion in the sinuses which slightly affects blood flow.

When the sinuses became congested, it becomes more difficult for blood to continue on its path back to the heart, and the small veins right under the skin below the eyes may enlarge with pooled blood. Because these little veins are so close to the skin's surface, their enlargement typically shows up as darkness (often purplish) right under the eyes. It should be noted these aren’t really bruises like a true shiner is. Bruises mean that veins or capillaries were broken and leaked. Allergic shiners don’t represent leaking of blood into the tissue, simply pooling of it.

Most people have allergic shiners in conjunction with real allergy symptoms, especially allergic rhinitis. Some people have them without this, and they may in fact indicate other conditions. If they’ve appeared suddenly and there’s not a clear cause like allergies, it may be well worth having a doctor take a look. Usually if a person truly has allergic shiners there is not a good treatment for them, except those treatments that address the underlying allergy symptoms.

A few things may be recommended for allergic rhinitis that treats allergic shiners too. For instance, people should know their triggers (animal hair, pollen, dust) and avoid these when possible. Taking antihistamines or nasal corticosteroid inhaled medication can help too. Nasal rinses may also provide some relief for congested noses and swollen or bruised looking eyes.

There is some evidence that allergy provoked shiners, especially in kids with allergic asthma, may be a good indication of potentially increased risk for asthma attack. This view is not endorsed by all doctors or all literature. However, some people do say that asthmatic folks who suddenly develop allergic shiners should make sure to keep their fast acting asthma inhalers on hand. Of course, this is good advice for anyone with asthma.

More commonly, though, the presence of allergic shiners indicates allergies, and not much more. Usually, appearance of these is reduced by treating the allergies causing them. Though this won’t cure the problem, if the area under the eyes seems swollen or itchy, using cold compresses on the eyes may be a way to provide some quick relief.