Spanish babies are developing “werewolf syndrome” after their parents took a popular over-the-counter remedy to prevent hair loss, according to a new report — with nearly a dozen cases reported since last year. Have come.
The Navarra Pharmacovigilance Center has detected 11 cases of hypertrichosis – commonly known as “werewolf syndrome” – in infants across Spain and found that 5% topical minoxidil had been used by each of their caregivers. According to a report by El Economista,
Infants who develop hypertrichosis grow tufts of hair on their backs, legs and face, and in extreme cases may resemble the “Wookiee” from “Star Wars.”
The report found that investigators believe the 5% minoxidil used by the infants’ parents is then absorbed topically or orally by the infants.
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in many popular over-the-counter hair loss treatments, including Himes, Rogaine, Keeps, Equate, and generic products.
Earlier last year, 11 “werewolf syndrome” cases were reported Less than 100 documented cases since the Middle Ages,
According to El Economista, a 2023 case brought “werewolf syndrome” to the attention of medical researchers and the public, when a breastfed baby developed hair on his body over two months starting in April.
The report found that during an interview with the family, health officials learned that his father was using topically applied 5% minoxidil.
According to the report, when the father stopped treatment for androgenic alopecia, the child’s symptoms completely returned.
In every case in Spain, the children’s unwanted hair diminished when caregivers stopped applying minoxidil solution topically.
Another case of a two-year-old girl with the rare hair condition was reported in Malaysia last year – with monarchs in the island nation dubbing her a “child from heaven”.
In contrast to the cases of environmental exposure to minoxidil reported in Spain, that child has a congenital strain of hypertrichosis.
Health experts have warned that minoxidil is harmful to the health of babies and can cause hypertrichosis, according to the European Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee.
A French girl was hospitalized for tachycardia and hypotension after ingesting a teaspoon of minoxidil. According to Reuters,
In 2017, at least 17 Spanish children develop “werewolf syndrome” According to reports, Minoxidil was accidentally mixed with acid reflux medication.
