Babies Develop ‘Werewolf Syndrome’
Almost a dozen of cases of werewolf syndrome or hypertrichosis are reported in Spain since the past year. All the babies diagnosed with the condition were given minoxidil, which is one common ingredient in hair loss creams. According to a report given by El Economista, in the country, 11 such cases have been reported based on the Navarra Pharmacovigilance Center records.
The disease can be identified by the appearance of unusual hair on different parts of the body, resulting in tufts of hair up to 5 cm long on the backs and legs of infants and their faces. The babies were compared to “Wookiees” from Star Wars. In most cases, the exposure was acquired when the infants either took the drug orally or absorbed it through their skin. According to El Economista, “The condition receded completely when caregivers ceased using the treatment.
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication found in Hims, Rogaine, Keeps, and Equate. Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, promoting hair growth. The drug is sold under the brand name Regaine in the UK. It is applied topically and available in two or five percent solutions. It has been effective in treating androgenic alopecia but dangerous for infants if they are exposed to it through caregivers using the medication.
The first case was seen in 2023 when, after two months of being breastfed, an infant developed excessive body hair. Health investigators identified that the father had been using topical minoxidil treatment on his head due to losing hair. After stopping it, the baby’s symptom completely reversed.
While the symptoms of hypertrichosis disappear after discontinuation of treatment, prolonged exposure is very stressful to the kidneys and heart of the child. Because of such events, all minoxidil drugs sold in Europe will bear a warning label on their products about the occurrence of hypertrichosis.
Hypertrichosis is not curable but can be managed by controlling the impacts through grooming activities like shaving, cutting, or waxing.
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