What Is Werewolf Syndrome? Rare Condition That Causes Excessive Hair Growth

Werewolf syndrome or Hypertrichosis is a rare medical condition that causes excessive hair growth on the body. While it can impact a person of any religion, region or gender, it is still very uncommon. Only 50 cases have been documented across the world as of now. Some individuals are born with it, while others develop it later in life. Hirsutism, which is a related condition which leads to excessive hair growth in the face, is much more common.

What Does Hypertrichosis Look Like?

Abnormal hair growth caused by hypertrichosis can appear in isolated patches or spread across the entire body. Depending on the type of this condition, hair may be fine or coarse. It could also be light or dark in colour. While the condition itself is not harmful, it can be distressing for those who have it due to social perceptions and self-esteem concerns.

Types Of Hypertrichosis

Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa: Babies are typically born with soft, fine lanugo hair, which usually sheds within weeks. However, in this rare condition, the hair continues to grow instead of disappearing.

Congenital Hypertrichosis Terminalis: This type involves long, thick hair covering large areas of the body from birth, persisting throughout life.

Nevoid Hypertrichosis: In this case, excessive hair growth is limited to a specific area of the body rather than widespread.

Hirsutism: Unlike other forms of hypertrichosis, hirsutism affects only women and causes dark, coarse hair to grow in areas typically associated with male-pattern hair growth, such as the face, chest, and back.

Acquired Hypertrichosis: Unlike congenital forms, this type develops later in life and may be linked to other health conditions or medications. Hair can grow in small patches or over a large area of the body.

What Are The Symptoms Of Warewolf Syndrome?

The main symptom of werewolf syndomre or hypertrichosis is excessive hair growth, which can take on different forms:

• Vellus Hair: Short, fine, light-coloured hair that grows almost everywhere except the soles of the feet, lips, and palms.
• Lanugo Hair: Very soft, fine, unpigmented hair usually seen in newborns but can persist in people with hypertrichosis.
• Terminal Hair: Thick, dark hair that typically grows on the scalp, armpits, and pubic area but may appear elsewhere in hypertrichosis.
• Some people with hypertrichosis may also experience dental abnormalities, such as missing teeth or gum overgrowth.

What Causes Hypertrichosis?

The causes of this rare condition are not entirely understood, but scientists say that both genetics and environmental factors could be a reason. Studies on congenital cases have been done wherein scientists believe that hypertrichosis results from the reactivation of genes responsible for hair growth in early human ancestors. These genes, which normally remain inactive, can sometimes become active before birth for unknown reasons.

Acquired hypertrichosis, on the other hand, may be linked to underlying health conditions, including malnutrition, eating disorders, certain cancers, or the use of specific medications such as androgenic steroids and minoxidil.

Treatment And Management

There is currently no cure for hypertrichosis, but hair removal methods can help manage the condition. Temporary solutions include shaving, waxing, plucking, chemical treatments, and bleaching. However, these methods require frequent upkeep and may cause skin irritation.

For longer-lasting results, people may opt for electrolysis or laser hair removal In cases where hypertrichosis is linked to an underlying health condition or medication, addressing the root cause may help slow or stop hair growth.