It is a Medical sign characterized by a rounded, puffy, full face caused by fat deposition and fluid retention. It mostly triggered by the high level of stress hormone (cortisol) or long term use of corticosteroid Medication.
Causes of Moon Face:
• corticosteroid medications: Conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases,rheumatic arthritis and autoimmune conditions corticosteroids used for treatment which eventually leads moon face.
• cushing syndrome: In this condition cortisol levels are high mostly due pathology of adrenal gland or pituitary gland.
• other hormonal conditions: Hypothyroidism and PCOS
Clinical Features:
• Round face due to full cheeks
• The face skin may appear red and flushed
• Extra fat may also deposit around the upper back causing buffalo hump appearance.
Diagnosis:
• Detailed medical history
• Review of steroid medication use
• Physical examination
• Blood cortisol levels
• Imaging studies (MRI or CT) if endocrine disorders are suspected
Treatments:
• If patient is on corticosteriod medication then low dose should be given but not stop the medication abruptly.
2. Treat endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s syndrome or hypothyroidism if present.
3. Good diet and physical exercise should advice.
4. Reduce excess salt intake if fluid retention is cause of moon face.
Do you know anything else about moon face syndrome ?
Have read about this moon-face appearance in the case of Cushing’s syndrome. Surgery can be considered to remove the tumor present in the pituitary and adrenal glands.
It’s so important to shed light on moon face as a genuine medical sign rather than just cosmetic weight gain. Highlighting that it’s tied to cortisol regulation—and reminding people not to suddenly stop prescribed steroid medications—is a super valuable takeaway. Moon Facies or Moon Face Seen on Cushing’s Syndrome Patients
This short video provides a clear visual and clinical explanation of moon facies, illustrating how excess cortisol leads to facial fat redistribution in Cushing’s syndrome and steroid use.
I read about the cushing syndrome in my college days. It is associated with swollen face. Besides the above mentioned reasons for swollen face, actinomycosis infection is also known to be a reason behind swollen face.
Good post! Lately, people having been throwing this term “ moon face “ a lot referring to round faces and it’s quite misleading. Your post explained it very clearly.
Interesting post. It is a sign of an underlying condition, most commonly long-term corticosteroid use or Cushing’s syndrome. In many cases, the facial swelling gradually improves once the underlying cause is treated or the steroid dose is safely reduced under medical supervision.