Hairiest baby in the world! Little boy diagnosed with rare 'Werewolf Syndrome', mom blames 'wild cat'

Recently, pictures of a baby boy covered in hair have gone viral. The little one from the Philippines is battling an extremely rare condition called hypertrichosis. In this condition, the person who is affected suffers from extreme hair growth all over the body. Let us learn more about the 'Werewolf syndrome' that the little one is suffering from.

Little boy diagnosed with rare disorder

Jaren Gamongan, two, from Apayao in the Philippines, was born with a full head of hair and black sideburns. His mom, Alma, believes that this happened due to a curse wrought upon her when she ate a wild cat while pregnant with her son. She revealed that during pregnancy she was craving wild cats, an exotic mountain dish.

What is 'Werewolf Syndrome'?

Hypertrichosis or the “werewolf syndrome” is a condition where a person experiences abnormal hair growth over large areas of their body. According to experts, hypertrichosis affects both sexes but is extremely rare. Hypertrichosis can appear at birth or even develop over time.

What causes 'Werewolf Syndrome'?

The exact cause of werewolf syndrome is not confirmed. Even though it is said to be a genetic condition that runs in families, it can be caused by other factors as well. Some medications, such as certain immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, or minoxidil (used to treat hair loss), can cause excessive hair growth as a side effect. Conditions that disrupt hormone levels, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders, can lead to increased hair growth.

Some types of cancer, especially those that affect hormone-producing glands, can cause hypertrichosis as a symptom.

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