Hypertrichosis or the "werewolf syndrome": this affects babies and children

There are already at least 17 babies affected by omeprazole contaminated with an active substance that makes them grow excess body hair. The medication, usually prescribed to treat gastroesophageal reflux in infants, was contaminated with minoxidil, an active substance used to treat alopecia.

This caused me to produce them hypertrichosis or what is known as the "werewolf syndrome", a very rare disease characterized by the growth of body hair in all parts of the body, especially in front, back and arms.

Babies are born with a thin layer of fluff-like hair known as lanugo, which begins to grow around the 13th week of gestation and disappears towards the end of gestation or in the first weeks after delivery. Premature babies, as they have not reached term, usually have more hair on their body.

But when we talk about children with hypertrichosis, the hair layer is thicker and continues to grow throughout their lives. We can find two types of this disease:

  • Generalized hypertrichosis: The hair can be on the whole body, except palms and feet.

  • Regional or localized hypertrichosis: affect only one part of the body. More usually, the face or back.

In Babies and more At least 14 babies affected by contaminated Omeprazole that caused them to grow excessively in body hair

What is the cause of hypertrichosis?

This disease, also known as congenital lanuginous hypertrichosis, which is one case per billion, is due to a genetic mutation, and most of the time it is acquired by family inheritance, so many family members can have this syndrome.

The alterations can occur in the embryo, in the ovule or in the sperm, or in the already fertilized egg. In the whole story, only 50 cases of people with werewolf syndrome have been documented.

The genetic cause of hypertrichosis varies according to its type. If it is universal congenital hypertrichosis, it is autosomal dominant, but when it is generalized congenital hypertrichosis it is autosomal dominant or recessive and linked to the X chromosome.

Other times, it can be caused by external factors, such as in response certain medications. In the case of children affected by contaminated omeprazole, hypertrichosis remits until it disappears when they stop taking the medication.

They can also cause it endocrine abnormalities or other diseases. For example, late skin porphyria is a skin disease that causes damage to the dermis when in contact with the sun's rays, and it responds by increasing the amount of hair as a defense mechanism.

Children with hypertrichosis

For children with this disease, social life can be difficult, especially when they start the school stage.

Their appearance usually affects their self-esteem, becoming withdrawn and unsociable children, so it is very important to support them to avoid being marginalized within their group.

Treatment for hypertrichosis

When the disease is acquired, the trigger must be eliminated, however when it is genetic, the only solution is hair removal with creams or lasers, or hair discoloration.

Historical curiosities about hypertrichosis

The werewolf legend dates from the Middle Ages and speaks of a being covered with hair that came out at night to avoid sunlight, and when there was a full moon to see under its light. Remember that at that time there was no electricity.

Formerly, they were marginalized people who were exposed as phenomena in circuses, but fortunately that has changed.

This disease is also known as Ambras syndrome, but in this case the name is not due to the doctor who discovered it as it happens with others. Ambras is the name of a castle in Innsbruck, Austria, where several paintings appeared showing the portraits of family members with hair on their faces.

Portraits of the Gonzalez family found in Ambras in the Middle Ages. (CC License)

Video: The Boy With Werewolf Syndrome. BORN DIFFERENT (March 2024).