A popular hair-loss drug may be causing babies to suffer from 'werewolf syndrome', leaving them blanketed in hair, Spanish health chiefs have warned. Almost a dozen cases have now been reported in Europe since 2023.
Officials believe the newborns developed the condition after their parents used over-the-counter remedy minoxidil, which is commonly applied to the scalp to encourage hair growth. 'Werewolf syndrome' causes abnormal amounts of fine hairs measuring up to 5cm long to grow on a person's face, arms and other parts of their body.
"According to Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarra -- a province in northern Spain -- concerns were first raised about the bizarre phenomenon in April 2023 after a baby boy developed hair on his back, legs and thighs over two months."
Health experts discovered his father had been using a five percent minoxidil lotion on his scalp to treat baldness. However, when the baby was no longer exposed to this drug, his symptoms regressed.
Minoxidil, marketed under the brand name Regaine in the UK, comes in foam or liquid form with strengths of two or five per cent. It's available without prescription.
"Following the case, the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarra then assessed databases and discovered 10 other recent cases of 'werewolf syndrome' linked to minoxidil."
WHAT IS HYPERTRICHOSIS?
Hypertrichosis refers to excessive hair growth beyond what is typically present for age, race, and sex. It excludes excessive hair caused by high levels of male hormones.
- Treatment options are limited; results vary based on location and patient preference.
- Methods include cosmetic procedures like bleaching and trimming as well as laser-assisted removal for long-term effects.