Moon face is a condition that causes a round, puffy-looking face due to an accumulation of fat deposits on the sides of the face. It is not a disease, but it can be a symptom of a medical condition or a result of taking certain medications like glucocorticoids.
"Moon face" is a term used to describe swelling that makes the face puffy and round, like a full moon. It is often caused by long-term use of a steroid medication such as prednisone,1 but it can also be a symptom of a health condition like Cushing's syndrome or an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).
People with Cushing's syndrome may see their face get round ("moon face"), they gain weight in unusual ways, bruise easily or feel weak, tired and sad. Women and men may also notice fertility and other problems.
But, although moon face is common, it's temporary. “When the patient stops taking the prednisone, fat distribution goes back to normal and moon face disappears after a few weeks,” Dr. Galligan says.
Moon face may appear within the first two months of steroid therapy, though the risk of developing it depends on dosage and length of treatment. One study looked at the effects of taking 20 mg or more of corticosteroids over a prolonged period of time.
How Long Does It Take for a Moon Face to Subside? The extra weight, water retention, and moon face puffiness will begin to fade once they stop taking corticosteroids. However, it may take up to six months to a year for the body and face to return to their pre-corticosteroid states.
Managing moon face usually begins with treating any underlying condition causing it. For example, many people with Cushing's disease have a tumor that secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Removing the tumor can treat the condition, causing moon face to disappear.
According to Mayo Clinic, signs and symptoms associated with excess cortisol levels can include: Rapid weight gain mainly in the face, chest, and abdomen. A flushed and round face. High blood pressure.
Signs and symptoms of raised cortisol include rapid weight gain particularly in the face, chest & abdomen, high blood pressure, thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), skin changes (bruises and purplish stretch marks), muscle weakness, changes in mood & high blood sugar.
One of the easiest home fixes is a cool compress. Wet a clean cloth with cold water, wring it out, and gently press over your eyes for a few minutes. Do it while sitting, not lying down. Pop the cloth in the fridge or the freezer for extra coldness.
Symptoms of Cushing's syndrome
One of the main signs is weight gain and more body fat, such as: increased fat on your chest and tummy, but slim arms and legs. a build-up of fat on the back of your neck and shoulders, known as a "buffalo hump" a red, puffy, rounded face.
Swelling associated with a minor injury may be treated at home with a cold compress or ice pack, which can be applied for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. An NSAID, such as ibuprofen, may also help with the pain and swelling if not contraindicated.
In the early stages of dehydration, your body tries to hold on to fluid causing water retention. Water is drawn into the blood vessels, causing them to swell. This leads to areas of the body, especially the face, becoming bloated and puffy looking.
Moon face, otherwise known as moon facies, is a medical sign characterized by the face developing a rounded appearance due to fat deposits on the sides of the face. The most common cause of moon face is said to be associated with Cushing's syndrome or prolonged steroid treatment (especially corticosteroids).
Each of the four major lunar phases is approximately 7.4 days±19 hours (6.58–8.24 days), the variation being due to the eccentricity of the Moon's orbit and thus it orbiting at varying speeds.
However, several at-home cortisol tests are available to purchase. A person can take these tests at home by providing a urine, blood, or saliva sample. Once a lab analyzes the test, people usually receive their results within a few days. Individuals should follow up on any test results with a healthcare professional.
Key takeaways. A puffy face may be a normal reaction to an allergy, part of being pregnant, or a side effect of taking steroids. A puffy face may also be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as a thyroid disorder, Cushing's disease, or an infection.
Why is my face getting fat but not my body? Increased facial fat is typically due to weight gain. It may also be as a result of water retention, which can make the face appear puffy or swollen. Making changes to a person's diet and lifestyle can help support weight management and prevent excess facial fat.
"The moon keeps the same face pointing towards the Earth because its rate of spin is tidally locked so that it is synchronized with its rate of revolution (the time needed to complete one orbit). In other words, the moon rotates exactly once every time it circles the Earth.
“'Moon face' is common, which is swelling in the face that can occur after you've been on steroids for a long time,” Dr. Ford notes. “You can also get swelling in the legs and midsection.” What you can do: “Prednisone alters how the body processes salt, so staying on a low-salt diet can help to some degree,” he says.
A gradual reduction in prednisone dosage gives your adrenal glands time to resume their usual function. The amount of time it takes to taper off prednisone depends on the disease being treated, the dose and duration of use, and other medical considerations. A full recovery can take a week to several months.