To reduce moon face from prednisone, work with your doctor to potentially lower your dosage or switch medications, while at home, focus on a low-salt diet, drinking plenty of water, regular exercise, and adequate sleep; these lifestyle changes help manage fluid retention and weight gain, but never stop prednisone abruptly.
Although there's no quick way to get rid of moon face and you can't prevent it, you can take some steps to reduce facial swelling. Steroids can cause water retention (fluid buildup). Eating high amounts of salt can make water retention worse, and consuming less salt can decrease it.
Any body fat you gain on prednisone won't automatically go away once you reduce your dose or stop taking the drug. As with any weight loss, it may help to have a healthy eating plan and get regular exercise.
Moon face is when fat deposits build up along the sides of your face, causing severe swelling. The swelling can make your face look round and puffy. Moon face is a common side effect of corticosteroid use and a symptom of certain health conditions. Although harmless, the condition can affect your self-esteem.
Stay hydrated: Drinking lots of water and fluids helps support your kidneys as they flush out prednisone. Exercise: Physical activity helps support your metabolism and blood circulation. This helps your body process and eliminate drugs efficiently.
How to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
Prednisone generally stays in your body for less than 1 day or about 16 to 22 hours. Most of its effects stop after you stop taking it, but some may last longer.
How To Reduce Cortisol Face
Avoid salty and processed foods, as they cause water retention. Get enough sleep and reduce alcohol intake, which can also lead to facial bloating. You may gently massage your face or use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Eating fruits like watermelon and cucumber can also help due to their high water content.
High dose prednisone predisposes some patients to acne, especially facial acne, as pictured below. The facial acne developed after several weeks of high steroid doses.
Fluid retention can be controlled by eating a diet low in sodium – no more than 2,000 mg a day – and higher in potassium. You can find a list of high-sodium foods to avoid in the General Guidelines for Healthy Eating.
Weight gain on prednisone varies between people. Some notice changes within weeks, while others only after longer use. Treatment length matters. Treatments lasting more than two weeks are more likely to cause weight gain, while short courses might have minimal effect.
Common short-term side effects include changes in appetite, mood, energy, and sleep. Long-term prednisone treatment can lead to weight gain, osteoporosis, and cataracts. Diarrhea isn't a side effect of prednisone. But other gastrointestinal symptoms are possible, like increased appetite and indigestion.
Home Remedies to Alleviate Facial Swelling
Take steps to manage steroid side effects
Experts recommend taking a mild and safe over-the-counter sleep aid such as melatonin or chamomile if prednisone is causing sleep disruption or sleep deprivation.
The Fastest Ways To Get Rid Of Facial Puffiness
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is a type of mineral called an electrolyte, which helps balance your sodium levels. Studies show they may lower inflammation as well as puffiness in people who retain a lot of water. A common dosage is 200-400 milligrams a day.
Moon face is often caused by hormonal imbalances, including excess cortisol production (as seen in Cushing's syndrome), the use of corticosteroids, or conditions like PCOS and hypothyroidism. Obesity and certain medications can also contribute to the condition.
Moon face is often caused by long-term use of steroid medications like prednisone. To reduce swelling, drink more water, get enough sleep, and reduce salt intake.
To get rid of excess cortisol, focus on stress reduction through mindfulness, deep breathing, and quality sleep, alongside a balanced diet rich in whole foods, omega-3s, magnesium, and B vitamins, while limiting sugar, processed items, and caffeine; regular, moderate exercise and connecting with nature also significantly help manage stress and lower cortisol levels.
Magnesium, hailed for its calming effects, truly stands as a hero mineral when it comes to taming cortisol levels. This essential mineral works wonders by soothing your nervous system, a godsend for anyone caught in the throes of high stress.
Doses between 7.5 milligrams and 30 milligrams are usually considered a medium dose of prednisone. You might take a medium dose of prednisone to help control a lupus flare while preventing more severe steroid side effects.
Common side effects
Prednisone withdrawal: Why do I need to slowly taper down the dosage? If you abruptly stop taking prednisone or taper off too quickly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, including: Severe fatigue. Weakness.