No, this disease is not actually called werewolf syndrome; however, if you take a look at this picture you might think it should be.

This disease, known as hypertrichosis, causes excess hair growth all over the body of the individual.  As you can see by the picture, “all over” is taken quite literally.  this disease occurs in both males and females; moreover, the cause is unknown.  Many people believe there is some genetic aspect, if one parent has the gene for it, they will pass it down.  Others believe that it is a random mutation that occurs, at a higher frequency than most random mutations, and causes the symptoms that are categorized as hypertrichosis.

This disease actually became a fascination among society as the features and symptoms were almost “crowd-drawing” and “money-making.”  In fact, this may be the origin of the werewolf concept that has been in theaters and books longer than people can remember.  Over the years, people have referred to these people as animals, dogs, and other derogatory terms that have caused these people to often kill themselves.  This disease does not even have a specific name because people are hesitant on classifying the disease because the cause is unknown.

The actual diagnosis of this disease may seem simple; however, the contrary is true.  Excess hair growth can occur for a plethora of reasons; moreover, there is no definitive test that confirms hypertrichosis.  This means that people receive the same stigma regardless if they actually have the disease, and may undergo extreme ridicule for NOT having the disease.  Often, these people do not like going out in public because of the stigma attached to them.  Children look at them with a sense of fear, almost as if they are comparing them to the werewolves they have seen in movies.  They are frightened that these people, yes people, will attack and kill them.  The saddest aspect to this stigma is that it does not apply to just children.  Adults feel the same way against the infected people.  They are scared of them, and avoid them as often as possible.  Some accounts write that they would rather exert any other effort just so they can avoid contact or even closeness to the person.

This disease is on its way on being cured; however, it is taking significantly longer than expected.  The newest research claims that it is associated with the X sex chromosome, which is in both male and female humans.  This is just another sex linked disease that can be added to the list if this discover is confirmed.  Furthermore, research is extremely difficult because there are different types of hypertrichosis.  Based on the type of hair present on the person, doctors have the potential to determine which part of the disease they have and possible prevent both symptoms and death.

This is a rare disease that will most likely be treated, or even cured in the future, but until then there will most likely be hate against this group of individuals who cannot help their appearance.