What is werewolf syndrome that MP teen suffers from? A dermatologist explains
For the long time, society has been fascinated with congenital disorders such as excessive body hair growth, thanks to pop culture films such as Bhediya, Twilight, or Vampire, in which characters such as werewolves are frequently dramatised and romanticised. However, someone's reactions to seeing people suffering from such chronic conditions in real life are extremely different.
A teenage boy from MP, Lalit Patidar, suffers from werewolf syndrome. He has been bullied and been called a "monkey man," with his hair overgrowing and covering his body like animal fur.
Meet Lalit Patidar from Madhya Pradesh, a 17-year-old boy who suffers from a very rare condition.#NewsMo #Syndrome #Werewolf #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/hFbSwqTwHN
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) November 24, 2022
But before we get into the details of the conditions, let us understand what is werewolf syndrome or hypertrichosis?
dailyO spoke to Dr Anupama Bisaria, a dermatologist (MBBS, MD) from Noida, about this condition. According to her, hypertrichosis or werewolf syndrome is a rare syndrome and is often characterised by an abnormal amount of hair growth all over the body and can affect both males and females. The abnormal hair growth may cover the face and body or occur in small patches.
How uncommon is werewolf syndrome?
The first ever case was recorded in 1648, to a family called Aldrovandus. Originally from the Canary Islands, Spain the family including 2 daughters, son and a grandchild were affected and were bought France by 'nobels' to study.
Now, over the next 300 years, less than 100 cases were spotted, including the teen from Madhya Pradesh.
Can you get infected with hypertrichosis?
Dr Bisaria explains that hypertrichosis is a rare disease and occurs:
- Naturally during birth
- Or if the patient is on steroids or some other medicines
Cure? There is no cure available for the syndrome. However, with long-term and short treatments, it can be resolved. Temporary treatments like laser treatments, waxing, shaving and other hair removal treatment can also be used, Dr Bisaria said.