In the Dominican Republic, I always get these horrible ojeras (What do you call them? Dark patches?) under my eyes. And they get progressively worse with every day of the stay. It only happens in the DR, never at home or in Europe. 

I only drink bottled water, don’t touch alcohol in spite of the constant exhortations to participate in the tasting of the traditional Dominican beverage rum Brugal,” get good sleep, etc. Does anybody know what causes this? It bothers me because ojeras normally mean kidney issues, and I had two rounds of severe gestational diabetes, which means kidney damage. 

8 responses to “Medical Question”

  1. Shakti Avatar
    Shakti

    You might have allergies. Also isn’t Santo Domingo two hours ahead of your time zone?

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      Yes. But I’m good with the time change and I’m sleeping fine.

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  2. cliff arroyo Avatar

    My wild guess would be that there’s something in the environment or climate that’s triggering something (like a very low grade allergy) and if it stops when you leave then it’s probably not very serious.

    Did you get the same thing in Cuba?

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      I haven’t been to Cuba since 2006, and I don’t remember getting it there but I was younger,too.

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  3. anonP Avatar
    anonP

    Could be a food allergy – I get something similar if I eat mussels, for which I have been allergy tested and I react to, but not strongly enough to classify as proper allergy. What are you eating that you are not eating at home?

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      That’s an interesting possibility. All I can think of is the local coffee, pulpo and what they call mango but isn’t like any mango I’ve seen back home.

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  4. Pen Avatar

    I’m going to go with everyone else and guess it’s an allergy or intolerance of some sort. Maybe environmental or food. If it goes away when you leave the area, it’s not a symptom of kidney issues. I’d be concerned if it doesn’t go away.

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    1. Clarissa Avatar

      Based on my experience, it will clear up the day after I come home.

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