When Ashley Judd was seen with a puffy face while promoting her new television show “Missing,” celebrity watchers were betting on cosmetic surgery as the reason. Judd says the moon face was the result of steroid medication for a chronic sinus infection. Turns out, that’s not only a credible explanation, but there are several other medical conditions that can change our facial appearance.
CUSHING’S SYNDROME: Cushing's syndrome occurs when the body is exposed for long periods to high levels of a hormone called cortisol. The adrenal glands, which are triangular-shaped glands that sit on top of the kidneys, release the cortisol. Blood and urine tests can confirm the condition.
NONPITUITARY TUMORS: These include tumors of the lung, pancreas and thymus which also release cortisol.
HYPOTHYROIDISM: Symptoms of this condition include a slowing down of the metabolism, causing weight gain from fat accumulation and fluid retention. It’s common for the effects of the disease to include swelling of the face or around the eye area.
LONG-TERM USE OF STEROID MEDICATIONS: Steroid medications, used over a long period of time for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, have a common side effect of facial puffiness.
