What are moon faces?

Moon face is a condition when the face swells gradually until it becomes round. This condition, which is also called moon facies, occurs due to the accumulation of excess fat on the sides of the face.

Although not dangerous, one of the symptoms of obesity can affect your self-confidence. In addition to obesity, a puffy face can be caused by Cushing’s syndrome.

That’s why most people call this condition the Cushingoid view. Cushing’s syndrome occurs when the body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol over a long period of time.

How common is the Moon Face?

Moon face can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, and certain racial groups. However, this problem can be treated by reducing risk factors. Discuss with your doctor for more information.

Moon face signs and symptoms

The condition of the moon’s face is usually characterized by a face that becomes round, full, and gradually swollen. The sides of the face will be rounded due to the accumulation of fat, so the ears will not be visible from the front.

Fat deposits on the sides of the skull bones can also cause the face to look puffy or rounder.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Cause of the moon’s face

The main cause of the moon face due to Cushing’s syndrome stems from excessive levels of glucocorticoids. This exerts a powerful effect on adipose tissue leading to fat accumulation on the face.

Even so, experts do not know exactly what causes the abnormal distribution of fat in Cushing’s syndrome.

Apart from Cushing’s syndrome, there are a number of other conditions that can cause your face to appear round or chubby, namely:

1. allergic reactions, such as rhinitis and bee stings,
2. angioedema,
3. cellulitis,
4. conjunctivitis,
5. reactions to drugs, namely aspirin, penicillin, and glucocorticoids,
6. complications from surgery on the head, nose, or jaw,
7. severe malnutrition,
8. obesity,
9. salivary gland abnormalities,
10. injury or trauma to the face, such as a burn,
11. sinusitis,
12. pimples and swelling on the infected eye,
13. a tooth abscess, as well
14. hypercortisolism, namely the high production of the hormone cortisol.

Moon Face Risk Factors

This condition can happen to anyone. However, there are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of symptoms of obesity and Cushing’s syndrome, namely:

1. prolonged use of prednisone or other corticosteroids,
2. obesity,
3. type 2 diabetes that is not well controlled,
4. high blood pressure, and
5. history of endocrine tumor disease.

Diagnosis moon face

Generally, medical service providers will ask about medical history and recent injuries.

This can determine further treatment or tests if needed. The doctor will also find out what causes this condition to determine treatment.

For example, a history of drug use will be asked, especially when taking steroids. Long-term use of steroids, such as prednisone, can cause side effects that are similar to the symptoms of Cushing’s syndrome.

Even though the use of steroid drugs is quite common, many people who experience this condition are not aware of the cause.

Meanwhile, some follow-up tests to determine the treatment of a swollen face include:

1. blood test,
2. MRIs, or
3. CT scan.

Moon Face Treatment

Basically, the treatment for this condition depends on what caused it. Here are a number of treatments that can be an option.

1. Reducing the dose of steroid drugs

Moon faces can occur as a side effect of using corticosteroids, such as prednisone, for a long time.

If this happens to you, your doctor may reduce the dose of steroid medication. Over time, lower doses help reduce facial swelling.

In some cases, your doctor may ask you to stop using steroids, especially if they have side effects. Even so, this method is usually done slowly until the body can adjust.

2. Operation

If the moon face is caused by Cushing’s syndrome resulting from a tumor, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical removal of the tumor is usually performed by a neurosurgeon.

After surgery, you will take cortisol replacement medication to balance this hormone. This process takes up to a year or more until the face no longer looks swollen.

3. Other treatment

Apart from the two treatments above, other ways to treat moon face that doctors usually recommend include:

1. radiation therapy to shrink tumors
2. drugs to regulate the amount of cortisol, as well
3. takes the synthetic form of the thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

Keep in mind that the list of treatments mentioned is only to improve your health condition. There is no specific way to deal with moon face , so you need to know what causes this condition.

When the condition is under control, the body will experience fewer symptoms. The facial swelling may gradually disappear as you continue the treatment.

Moon Face Home Treatment

In fact, lifestyle changes are needed to support the treatment given by doctors. There are also various home remedies that can help deal with moon face, namely:

1. use cold compresses to reduce swelling due to injuries,
2. elevate the head of the bed to reduce swelling
3. having a healthy diet to overcome obesity, as well
4. exercising regularly.

If you have further questions, please consult with your doctor to understand the right solution for you.

When to see a doctor?

If you have one or more of the above symptoms or other questions, you should consult a doctor. The reason is, everyone’s body reacts differently to a disease.

Always discuss with your doctor to treat health conditions that you are worried about.