Introduction
Moon face, also called ‘moon facies,’ is the swelling of the face which makes it look round, full, and puffy, which is caused due to result of prolonged use of steroids like cortisol. Moon face can also be caused due to other health conditions like Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism. Even though this condition does not cause pain or harm, it is difficult for a person to live with a moon face. Proper treatment can reduce or eliminate the moon face. This article will highlight how steroids cause facial swelling.
What Is a Moon Face?
Moon face is a condition that causes a round, full, or puffy face. The swelling is caused due to high dosage of prednisone or other corticosteroids. A medication side effect causes this condition. This condition is not painful, but it affects a person's self-esteem. When the intake of steroids is stopped, the swelling should be reduced. In cases where the medication cannot be discontinued, certain things are done to reduce the puffiness in a person living with a moon face. In moon face condition, fat is stored on the sides of the skull around the face. These fat deposits are responsible for the round face appearance.
What Are the Causes of the Moon Face?
Moon face shows how the face changes into a round shape, like a full moon, while taking prednisone or other corticosteroids. It is caused by a shift in the fat deposit, where the cheeks get puffier, and the jawline fills out. In addition, a prolonged intake of corticosteroids increases water retention in the body, which can also cause puffiness in the face.
Moon face caused due to corticosteroids, a result due to the treatment of a serious medical condition. Some conditions treated with steroids include:
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Skin condition, including poison ivy.
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Inflammatory diseases like asthma, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), ulcerative colitis, or arthritis.
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Some cancer like lymphatic and blood cancer.
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Autoimmune diseases such as Addison’s disease, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
The corticosteroids act like cortisol, a natural stress hormone produced by the body. Cortisol plays a significant role in the following:
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Fighting infection.
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Controlling insulin level.
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Balancing fluid and salt.
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Regulating circadian rhythms.
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Regulating blood pressure.
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Ease inflammation.
Prednisone is not the only hormone that causes moon face; other corticosteroids can also cause moon face; some are:
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Dexamethasone.
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Methylprednisolone.
Moon face is not caused as a side effect of corticosteroid medications. Instead, it is an indication of a condition affecting the body. This condition is related to alterations in the hormonal level.
What Are the Conditions That Cause the Moon Face Condition?
Cushing’s Syndrome:
Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excessive cortisol hormone in the body. Usually, it is caused due to long-term use of steroid medications, but some other causes are:
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Tumors.
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High-stress level.
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The pituitary gland produces excessive hormones.
The symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome are:
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Weight gain.
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Mood changes.
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High blood pressure.
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Moon face.
Hypothyroidism:
When a person is affected with hypothyroidism, the body does not release the required amount of thyroid hormone. It is caused due to various factors, like:
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Autoimmune disorder.
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Radiation therapy to treat cancer.
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Removal of the gland.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
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Weight gain.
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Depression.
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Joint pain.
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Moon face.
How Is the Moon Face Condition Prevented?
There are a few things that need to be followed which reduce the risk of the moon's face; some are:
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Management of Weight:
Moon's face develops when fat is deposited around the skull, on the sides of the face. Weight management is a major step in dealing with a moon face. The condition and the medication used to treat the condition may result in gaining unexpected weight. It can be done by reducing the intake of calories and following a regular exercise routine.
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Reduced Salt Intake:
Increased intake of salt can result in the retention of water in the body, which may cause swelling of the face. In addition, the intake of more salt may increase the puffiness of the face. Therefore, a major way to reduce salt intake is by eating less processed food like canned or frozen food.
What Are the Risk Factors?
The primary risk factor of moon face condition is prolonged use of prednisone or any other corticosteroid. It usually occurs in women and people with overweight while starting prednisone intake.
Risk Factors of Cushing Syndrome:
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Intake of prednisone or another corticosteroid for a long time.
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Obesity.
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Uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.
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High blood pressure.
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Family history of endocrine tumors.
Risk Factors of Hypothyroidism:
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Female.
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Over 60 years old.
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Family history of a thyroid condition.
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Autoimmune condition.
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Past thyroid surgery.
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Radiation therapy, especially in the abdomen and chest region.
What Is the Treatment for Moon Face?
The treatment of moon face condition depends on the cause. If this condition is caused due to intake of prednisone, the doctor may recommend a lower dosage. After reducing the dosage, the appearance of the moon's face reduces slowly. In some cases, the steroids can be discontinued when the person experiences severe side effects.
If the moon face condition is caused due to Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism, then treating these conditions helps to deal with the moon face. Usually, treatment options depend on the cause and condition of the body. Options for Cushing’s syndrome are:
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Decreased or complete elimination of steroid intake.
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Intake of medications that help to manage cortisol in the body.
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Surgery to eliminate tumors in the adrenal and pituitary glands.
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Chemotherapy.
Options for treating hypothyroidism include the intake of synthetic thyroid hormones. These treatments enhance overall health, whereas moon faces can not be treated separately.
Conclusion
Doctors frequently recommend prednisone and other corticosteroids as they significantly treat inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions. However, the benefits of these medications come with certain downsides; one such is the moon face condition which is cause puffy face. Moon face can also be caused due to Cushing's syndrome or hypothyroidism. Moon face is caused due to fat deposits in the sides of the skull. There is no particular treatment for this condition, but reducing the steroid dosage or complete elimination of this medication may help to deal with this condition.
