Werewolf Syndrome

Eric cord, a college student was shocked to learn that his friend Ted was a werewolf. His life took a bizarre turn when he killed his best friend, but after being bitten and getting afflicted by the deadly curse of Lycanthropy. This is the story of “Werewolf” a popular T.V series on FOX. Thinking about a mystic character that looks like a man, but turns out to be a wolf, when exposed to full moon is quite fantasizing and thrilling. However, it is electrifying to learn that such mythic people cursed by lycanthropy do exist in reality. Yes, there are people like this! Surprised! Such people are not impaired by any curse, but look like a werewolf, due to a medical condition known as ‘hypertrichosis’. ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ is a colloquially term used for this medical condition.

 

Hypertrichosis is a condition of excessive hair growth on the body in an amount which is considered abnormal in medical terms. There are many forms and sub-forms of hypertrichosis, some of which appears with birth, while others develop after birth as a person grows. The most common and visible sign of any kind of werewolf syndrome is excess of hair. The hair growth and length in hypertrichosis is more than usual and can consist of any type of hair form, including lanugo, vellus or terminal. Patterned form of hypertrichosis causes hair to grow in specific pattern. Generalized form of hypertrichosis leads to the hair growth over entire body. Circumscribed and localized forms lead to the growth of hair over certain restricted area of the body. This article provides you with detailed information on the condition of hypertrichosis.

 

This form of hypertrichosis is caused due to genetic mutations. Congenital werewolf syndrome is a rare occurrence, unlike the acquired form of hypertrichosis. werewolf syndrome is present since birth.

It is visible at the birth time with the infant covered in thin lanugo hair. In a normal condition, lanugo hair sheds before birth. However, for a person suffering from congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa, the lanugo hair remains even after birth.

Acquired Hypertrichosis

Acquired hypertrichosis, unlike congenital syndrome, appears after birth. The particular syndrome might appear due to several conditions, such as side effects of certain drugs, person’s association with cancer and possible links with any form of eating disorder. This type of syndrome is characterized by hypertrichosis lanuginose, generalized hypertrichosis, patterned hypertrichosis and localized hypertrichosis.

 

Generalized hypertrichosis leads to an excessive growth of facial and upper body hair in the person. The palms, soles and mucous membranes, however stay unaffected.

 

Congenital terminal syndrome is defined by the presence of completely pigmented terminal hair, covering the entire body. The condition is accompanied by gingival hyperplasia. This term is very much relative to ‘Werewolf Syndrome’, due to the dark-thick hair that grow.

 

Thick vellus hair present on the upper extremities is associated with congenital circumscribed hypertrichosis. This type of syndrome is restricted to certain specific parts of the body, in this case the upper part of the body. Hair elbow syndrome is one of the examples of congenital circumscribed hypertrichosis. This syndrome develops with birth and grows with ageing, only to lapse at puberty.

 

As the name suggests, it is the localized or confined increase in the density and length of hair.

 

This type of syndrome can be present at birth or might appear in the later stages of a person’s life. In this condition, few restricted areas experience excessive terminal hair growth. The condition is not related to any other diseases.