Werewolf Syndrome-Pictures, Facts, Symptoms, Causes

It seems impossible but there really is a condition called werewolf syndrome. A very rare and unfamiliar disorder referred to as Hypertrichosis characterized by abnormal hair growth on the body to the extent that it nearly covers all skin except on areas like soles, hands and feet. Hypertrichosis puts its sufferers in a very distinct and even embarrassing situation depicting them as beasts.

Studies show that of one billion people, one is afflicted by werewolf syndrome. The condition does not excuse anyone from babies to adults both men and women. Sufferers normally live an isolated way of life due to embarrassment because majority do not realize that it is a form of disorder. Instead, their condition is frequently associated with superstitious beliefs and mythological stories. To have a better understanding about this rare condition, here is some vital information about the werewolf syndrome.

Different Types of Werewolf Syndrome

Hypertrichosis is classified into two- congenital hypertrichosis and acquired hypertrichosis. Congenital hypertrichosis is characterized by the overproduction of fine, soft and non-pigmented hair and continues through life. This condition normally occurs due to some flaws at the course of pregnancy. The lanugo, which refers to the fine hair layer covering the fetus, normally falls off on the eighth month. If this fails to happen, the hair continues to grow. Meanwhile, acquired hypertrichosis normally occurs after birth without a preset time period. Both types are also classified into different types.

Congenital Hypertrichosis

• Naevoid Hyperthrichosis – this refers to the excessive growing of hair on one part of the body surrounded by normal hair.

• Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa – this condition is quickly visible at birth.

• Generalized Hypertrichosis – the overproduction of hair is visible on the upper part of the body and face. However, some areas are unaffected like the mucous membranes, soles and palms.

• Circumscribed Hypertrichosis – this is very visible on upper extremities of the body. An example of this is the hair elbow syndrome where it growths with birth and continues with ageing.

• Terminal Hypertrichosis – this condition refers to the existence of fully pigmented hair covering the whole body. This is also associated to gingival hyperplasia and comparative to werewolf syndrome because of the thick and dark hair growth.

Acquired Hypertrichosis

• Acquired Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa – people who develop this kind of acquired hypertrichosis experiences rapid growth of lanugo hair on different parts of the body most especially on the face.

• Acquired Generalized Hypertrichosis – this refers to abnormal and unusual growth of unwanted hair on different body parts like the upper lips, legs, forearms, chin and cheeks.

• Patterned Hypertrichosis – the rapidly growing unwanted hair grows following a specific pattern.

• Localized Hypertrichosis – this refers to the restricted and abnormal growing of hair.

Causes of Hypertrichosis

The real cause of werewolf syndrome remains unclear. Although it was observed that genetic mutations play an important role to the development of this condition. Besides, werewolf syndrome is associated to cancer-related condition which happens after the person had cancer while certain drugs and metabolic disorders will result to hypertrichosis. Furthermore, untreated infection and malnutrition are other contributing factors in the development of hypertrichosis.

Signs and Symptoms

The most obvious symptom of hypertrichosis is abnormal hair growth. However, some sufferers manifest enlarged gums and teeth defects. Basically, the abnormal hair growth is longer than the normal and may comprise any of the hair type like vellus, terminal and lanugo.

Treatments for Werewolf Syndrome

There is no known cure for any type of hypertrichosis both congenital and acquired. However, treatment for the acquired type can be initiated by treating the underlying cause. But in most cases though, treatment is undertaken to manage the hair growth. Here are some of the popular treatments.

• Hair bleaching – this treatment procedure is popular and usually coupled with hair waxing. Bleaching products are often used together with the cosmetic procedure for optimum results. However, the result is temporary. Yet, it is one way of managing the abnormal hair growth if you can’t afford permanent removal.

• Shaving and hair removal creams – regular shaving along with the use of hair removal creams can also be done to manage unwanted hair growth. However, just make sure that your skin is absolutely free from any open sores and cuts. Also, check removal creams for any allergic reactions prior to using them.

• Electrolysis hair removal – this treatment procedure promises long-term results. Under this procedure, the root of every hair follicle is applied with electric current through a very fine needle-shaped metal probe or electrode. This hair removal method is really effective but is quite expensive because multiple sessions are required. The hair normally grows in different stages and because they are not on the same stage during the first session, it requires multiple sessions to completely remove them.

• Laser hair removal – another treatment procedure for permanent hair removal which involves killing the roots of hair follicles. They share some similarities with electrolysis removal but only uses laser light. The procedure is absolutely pain-free but uncomfortable which usually lasts within several minutes to over an hour, depending to the intensity of the treatment. Swelling and redness are visible on the affected areas after the treatment but normally disappears shortly. Moreover, you will need multiple sessions to completely remove the abnormal hair growth at monthly intervals.

• Medication – this treatment method is normally done with other methods for better results. Medications are taken to reduce hair production usually by administering luteinizing hormone.

Remember though that werewolf syndrome has no cure and these treatment methods are ways to manage them. True, permanent hair removal methods help in resolving the problem about abnormal hair growth which is likewise the most expensive. However, with the satisfactory results, you are willing to have it done.

Recommendation

After considering the different types, causes, symptoms and treatment methods for werewolf syndrome, you now have the basic idea governing this extremely rare and embarrassing condition. Actually, a number of types can be managed with treatment while others are resolved with cosmetic hair removal procedures. As werewolf syndrome is extremely embarrassing to the sufferers, feel for their anguish and treat them compassionately as humans and not beasts.