Moon face, characterized by a round, swollen face, is often caused by weight gain. Although it is not dangerous, it can impact self-confidence and may indicate more serious health issues. Discover the causes of moon face and how to treat it in the following article.

What is the moon face?

Moon face is defined as swelling that causes the face to appear round and puffy, similar to a full moon. This condition, known medically as moon facies, is caused by fat accumulation around the sides of the skull, resulting in a face so round that the ears are not visible from the front.

Photo 1: Moon Face Face. Source: https://dermnetnz.org/

Causes of moon face

Use of corticosteroids

Corticosteroid medications like prednisone are common causes of moon face. Doctors prescribe corticosteroids for various health conditions, including:

• Autoimmune diseases like lupus and Addison's disease
• Anemia
• Blood cancers and lymphomas
• Arthritis and asthma

Long-term use of steroids can affect the adrenal glands, leading to the release of huge amounts of cortisol, the stress hormone. Over time, this hormonal imbalance can cause weight gain and water retention, resulting in swelling and fat deposits around the face, giving the appearance of a moon face.

Cushing's syndrome

Excessive cortisol production can cause Cushing's syndrome, a hormonal disorder that leads to facial swelling and weight gain. Common causes include:

• Prolonged steroid use
• High-stress levels
• Overactive pituitary glands
• Tumor that produces adrenocortical (ACTH) hormones

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the body cannot produce sufficient thyroid hormones. The absence of these hormones causes water-attracting sugar molecules to accumulate, which can lead to a moon face. Causes include:

• Autoimmune disease
• Radiation therapy
• Thyroid removal (thyroidectomy)

Treatment and prevention of moon face

Treatment for moon face is determined by the underlying cause. If long-term steroid use is the problem, reducing the dosage or discontinuing the medication can help. For hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome, doctors may prescribe medication or recommend surgery and radiation to shrink tumors.

Moon face is not always preventable because it does not affect all patients with hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome. However, you can reduce the risk by doing the following:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing salt intake
• Getting adequate sleep
• Managing stress effectively

Moon face is not a serious health issue, but it can affect self-esteem and mental health. If you notice signs of a moon face, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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