A puffy face, whether it’s swelling in the cheeks, large bags surrounding the eyes, or an overall moony appearance, is most often caused by something benign–a condition that is not dangerous. The most common causes can be attributed to weight gain; an allergic reaction to an insect bite or medication; or a dental or sinus infection. If a puffy face is just one symptom in an array of other problems, it could be something more serious.
Hypothyroid
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones that regulate oxygen by signaling cells throughout the body. When the thyroid produces too few hormones, it’s known as hypothyroidism. The result is a slower metabolism. One symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain, which can result in a bloated appearance of the face. A puffy face, however, is another top symptom, according to Forest Pharmaceuticals, a company that manufactures a medication used to treat the condition.
Cushing’s Syndrome
Cushing’s is a syndrome characterized by the body’s exposure to consistently high levels of the hormone cortisol. Cushing’s syndrome can be caused by taking corticosteroid medication for prolonged periods of time, or by the body making too much cortisol on its own. According to the Mayo Clinic, a rounded, moon-like appearance of the face is one of the hallmarks of this syndrome.
Symptoms can be eliminated once the body’s coritsol levels are normalized. But treatment needs to start early. For some people, taking oral corticosteroid medication to treat conditions like asthma and arthritis outweigh the risks of symptoms associated with Cushing’s.
Infection
Erysipela is a type of skin infection related to A Streptococcus bacteria (more commonly known as strep). It can infect the face–cause a puffy appearance–through a cut in the skin, a lymph system disorder or skin ulcers. A doctor will diagnose erysipela through an examination, or, much less common, by taking a skin biopsy. Penicillin is used to treat erysipelas, but if not caught early enough, the infection can spread to the heart valve, joints and bones, according to the National Institutes of Health.
