A young boy from the Philippines has captured the attention of social media due to his rare condition known as ‘Werewolf syndrome’ or hypertrichosis. Jaren Gamongan, dubbed the “hairiest baby in the world,” was born with excessive hair growth all over his body, including his face, arms, and back.
Hypertrichosis is an incredibly rare condition, affecting only one in every one billion individuals. Despite the rarity of his condition, Jaren remains generally happy and playful. However, his mother has noted that he sometimes experiences itchy rashes, especially in hot weather.
To manage his condition, Jaren’s mother trims his hair regularly as it continues to grow longer and thicker. Medical professionals have suggested laser hair removal as an effective treatment for hypertrichosis, but it requires multiple sessions over several weeks to see noticeable results.
Hypertrichosis can affect individuals of both sexes and can manifest from birth or develop gradually over time. The exact causes of the condition are not fully understood, but it is believed to be genetic and can run in families.
In addition to excessive hair growth, hypertrichosis can present with other symptoms such as vellus hair, stiff dark body hair, and dental and gum problems. Consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of the condition.