In Spain, several babies have developed a very rare disease known as the “werewolf syndrome” after they have been given medicine that has been contaminated.
Hypertrichosis, commonly known as “werewolf syndrome,” is a genetic condition where there is excessive hair growth all over the body. However, instead of genetic makeup, recent cases of hypertrichosis in Spain were said to be caused by a drug called minoxidil which is used to treat male pattern baldness. Reports have been made that minoxidil has gotten mixed in with medicine used for gastrointestinal treatment, omeprazole, which the affected babies have been dosed with.
When the parents of the said babies first noticed excessive growth of hair, the immediate reaction was to bring their children to a doctor. The babies started growing excessive hair in the facial area. Later, it was found out that the condition was not isolated, instead, the issue of children being infected with the condition is already widespread.
In the hope of finding the source of contamination, The Spanish Agency for Medicine and Health Products have already recalled from the market several batches of medicine that are potentially tainted.
As investigations are still ongoing, the agency has advised parents who have children that were prescribed with the possibly contaminated omeprazole, and have exhibited symptoms of hypertrichosis, to consult with a doctor as soon as possible.
According to reports, the condition in the infected children had subsided when they stopped taking the tainted omeprazole. Doctors have said that none of the infected babies have shown signs that their condition would be long term. As for those who developed “werewolf syndrome“ or hypertrichosis from reasons other than the intake of minoxidil, the hope of full treatment could be more challenging. According to experts, treatment mostly involves the removal of hair through cutting or shaving and using chemicals.
Even if the infected individual does not experience pain, the condition is said to cause some complications in one‘s everyday life.
In the case of Lalit Patidar, who has been diagnosed with hypertrichosis condition at birth and is now a teenager, strangers used to throw stones at him while they called him names such as “monkey”, which caused him emotional pain. While it was a difficult condition to cope with in his young age, Patidar has already come to terms with his condition saying that there may be times in the past that he wished to be like other children. However, the brave teenager said that he already knew that he could not do much about his condition. Patidar later added that he has gotten used to the way he is and is now comfortable with himself.
