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WEREWOLF SYNDROME – Hypertrichosis
The Wolf Boy, Living Werewolf or Dog-Faced Boy have been fixtures of the sideshow world for centuries. Jo-Jo, the Dog-Faced Boy is likely the most famous of the lot however cases of hypertrichosis have been reported and documented long before Jo-Jo.
Hypertrichosis is really a blanket medical term that refers to excessive body hair. It can actually be generalized, symmetrically affecting most of the torso and limbs, or localized, affecting only a small area or location. The term is, however, usually reserved to refer to very above-average amount of normal body hair that is unwanted.
Nearly all the skin of the human body – with the exception of the palms and soles of the feet – are covered with hairs or hair follicles. The density of the hairs per square centimeter, the thickness of the hairs, color of the hairs, speed of hair growth, and qualities such as kinkiness tend to vary from one part of the body to another and also from one person to another. But in hypertrichosis all of the various controllers for the regulation of that genetic information are these lacking, damaged or none existent. Furthermore, there are a few subcategories of hypertrichosis.
Congenital hypertrichosis terminalis is the variation most people associate with the condition. This version involves all over body hair growth. Interestingly this form of hypertrichosis is almost always associated with gingival hyperplasia – meaning these ‘savage and vicious’ wolf men often posses very few teeth. Furthermore persons afflicted are said to have soft, smooth and gentle voices. Naevoid hypertrichosis is an unusual form of hypertrichosis where a solitary circumscribed area of hair growth occurs. It is not usually associated with any other diseases, except if it arises as a faun-tail on the lower back, then it may indicate underlying spina bifida. Naevoid hypertrichosis can occur at birth or appear later in life and symptoms can range from hairy tufted ears, tails, a heavy unibrow or excessive beard growth in females and males alike. Finally, Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa is a very rare form of hypertrichosis with only about 50 cases reported worldwide since the Middle Ages.
The condition is characterized by excessive hair growth on a child at birth. Most of the body is covered with lanugo hair, which is a fine, soft and silky hair that covers the fetus and which is usually shed at around 8 months gestation and replaced with fine vellus hair. In this condition the hair continues to grow throughout life. The initial shock of a fur covered infant, however, is luckily a very rare occurrence.
The exact cause of hypertrichosis is unknown. But it is believe to be a genetic disorder that is inherited or occurs as a result of spontaneous mutation.
© 2007 – 2008, J Tithonus Pednaud. All rights reserved.
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RECOMMENDED READING
American Sideshow: An Encyclopedia
Freak Show: Presenting Human Oddities for Amusement and Profit
Sideshow U.S.A.: Freaks and the American Cultural Imagination
Freaks, Geeks, and Strange Girls
Pickled Punks & Girlie Shows: A Life Spent on the Midways of America
The Lives and Loves of Daisy and Violet Hilton: A True Story of Conjoined Twins
The Circus Age: Culture and Society under the American Big Top
Freakery: Cultural Spectacles of the Extraordinary Body
James Taylor's Shocked and Amazed: On & Off the Midway
THE AUTHOR
J Tithonus Pednaud has dedicated this site to highlighting the remarkable lives of those born exceedingly different. These so-called freaks and human oddities stand as uplifting testaments to human spirit and serve as inspiring examples of human tenacity.
57 Responses to “WEREWOLF SYNDROME – Hypertrichosis”
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I am so facinated by this werewolf syndrome that i would like more info on it. I don’t know where to begin though. Please help an uneducated women learn more about this topic. I would greatly appreciate it. thanks Kelly Shaw 6102 Bradley Ave, Parma Ohio 44129
does werewolf syndrome only occur in males?
Vicky-
No. It occurs in females as well. ^_^
There is a movie called “Fur: and Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus” in which Robert Downey Jr. plays a man with hypertrichosis and it’s a wonderful story…
I do find the silky, flowing hair to be quite beautiful and mysterious.
i dont think tht kelly shaw should put her name and address on this website.
i agree with ashley
I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I’ll be grateful if you will.
They look cuddly. Not at all intimidating. Just….gentle & cuddly.
i completly agree with GarykPatton
please post mor informatin
I’m doing research on this disease currently its pretty interesting at the same time mysterious…the survival rate is 100% tho.. and the patient is treatable with laser surgery or daily shaving no offense but its quite gross
people with this disease are extremely attractive…. i want my babies to have this…
Not a bad disease, not scary… Reminds me a bit of chewbacca, u know?
I feel bad for people who have this. I am like obsessed with this stuff! It’s very interesting and since im only in 9th grade does it make me wierd to look this stuff up and find it interesting?
destiny, that isn’t weird at all! I also have a weird interest in these unnatural and bizzare diseases, and as a matter of fact, I’m doing my research paper over this very topic! So it IS okay to be interested in the world of the bizzare!
Humans are hairy. Not wanting hair is un-human.
I saw something over 52 years ago.
I was 13 at the time and it scared the hebegebes out of me as it was right at daylight
At first I thought I had see a werewolf.
I spoke to it out of shear fear and received no response.
It was no in anyway aggressive or did it show any teeth.
We came eye to eye for several long seconds and then thats when I spoke to it.
Over the course of 50 something years the only person I told was my best friend who I made swear at the time he would tell no one else.
As far as I know he never did but made some fugue references to it at times.
I have over the years have tried to explain to myself what I had seen and the only thing I could come up with was that I had ran into this person with hypertrichosis.
But why didn’t he say something back or just nod ?
Still wondering in Florida
To Whom It May Concern,
Since the age of 22 i’ve been getting full body waxing every month to compleatly remove my body hair. If I don’t, Im unable to even leave my home. I appereance is one of an animal. It’s horrable to live this way. And I turned to suacide many times because of it.
I have been shaving my entire body for the past year because of a lack of funds for the waxing. Sadly, I have to compleate this daunting task every 48 hours.
My wife devorced me because of it. She simply had no idea how extensive this horrific problem would take it’s toal on the relationship. I have not been on a date since 1993.
If anyone knows of A way to resolve this freakish syndrome. Please contact me right away!
For the love of god, someone please help me.
Sincerely,
Bon
I can’t beleive you have this disease. I don’t think its nice for your wife to divorce you because of it either. I actually think its pretty cool. You have so much to live for :)
-Michelle,10
THIS IS FREAKING AMAZING!!!! I MEAN ITS BAD (IGUESS) BUT ITS AWESOME!!! ITS A REAL TWILIGHT JACOB THING THEY’VE GOT GOIN ON!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D
Omg.. I have pick a project about warewolf syndrome in biology and im going to omit that i thank god thats not happening to me….
Bon, I know it would help you to talk to other’s that share this disorder….do you have any relatives with this as well?
this is really halpful, i have to a genetic disorder project for biology. and because of this page, i have chosen the warewolf syndrome:)
I’ve been born with human werewolf syndrome every full moon I turn into a werewolf. I have a great werewolf sence that i wold be near danger. I also take care of rattlesnakes as pets and skunks. I work at a law enforcement agency named terrance myers incorporation of law enforcement for sex crimes nnarcotics and homicide we have shift changes. my imagiary boss is still hiring
Mark, you are not funny. This is a serious illness and I am sure thosse afflicted with it don’t find you amusing. You must suffer from assonite syndrome. Jerk.
i read about hypertrichosis in a novel and i was so fascinated that i began to get materials on it and read further. I even discussed hypertrichosis in my seminar for the award of B.Sc. HONS in Biochemistry. Werewolves, hmmn?
No one in my family has this illness/curse. In fact, i’m the only family member with any body-hair at all? Several doctors have run many rare blood work to find the underlying problem, but to no avail.
Thus, the madness must continue. In addition, to have the hair removed via laser carries a cost factor that is beyond comprehension.
Not many people know I suffer from this condition, because I get a full body wax each month. However again, several months ago, I made another attempted to end my life because of it. This illness, has altered my psychological makeup for the worst.
Life remains a two way dream.
Ive Been Interested In This Because My Boyfriend Has This And Im Trying To See What Causes it and Because I Want To See How He Can Get Rid Of It I Just Want Him To Have A Normal Life.
Bon, Electrolysis can take care of the hair permanently. You didn’t say where you live. I am an electrologist and would do the work for free. See if the people who oversee this website will give you my contact information. Good luck to you and don’t let it get you down. -Brieanne
Spina bifida can also cause extra hair, mostly on the lumbar area of the back, like a tail. Also there are decendants of a family in Mexico who are currently known for having this “werewolf syndrome.” Nowdays, in the western world at least people tend to enjoy or desire something that makes them unique, but it seems like years ago (like in the early 1900s) people prized normalcy in order to fit in with society. Outward deformities were considered a sign of weakness or ‘devolution.’
CREEPY! The only reason I was on here was because I had a science paper due. I AM NOT A GEEK. No lie. I just had a science paper due October 31/2011. AKA: Halloween Night. It’s wierd that I got a paper on werewolves due on Halloween. Creepy, right?
This is really fascinating! There are extrordinary disorders and diseases out there and this one is one of coolest of all! I know it sounds creepy but I’m a total nerd so it is okizay! (Wow that was extremely geeky).
I like i do i thinkn its atractive!!!!!!
This disease is really awesome my girlfriend has it and i dont mind i will post some pics here in a couple of weeks so…
im a nerd to like gennavieve and this disease turns me on
I would like to know the statistics on this syndrome. I am doing a report on this and would like to know. Thanks :)
I feel similar syndromes, but my ability to hear and smell have been heightened to the extent were they re beyond Human, I cant stop myself from stalking my uncles goats, when i visit him
is ware wolf syndrome related to dr jeckle and mr hyde ?
i look like dr jeckle and mr hyde maybe mr hyde
I am currently doing a research project on this syndrome ,I have plenty of questions but no answers ? Its amazing how things work I cant imagine myself with this , it seems hard but a have a new respect with the people who are diagnosed respect to you my dear friends.
Hi, I Have a lot of access facial hair which i have to shave twice daily, and am now using a cream called Vanique, is there anything elce i can try?
this confuses me… poor man!
I have no idea why i even decided to go to this website, I have this book about the worlds “freaks” and it happens to have Jo Jo the idiot in it. all i can say is…………
I agree with you!
I think there sould be a lot more info on here……..My opinion
Hey, uh, can I ask you guys a question?
Randy: You just did!
Ian: Can I ask you guys another question?
Andy: You just did again!”
I think I have Hypertrichosis. I have a heavy unibrow that I get waxed every month, I’m growing hair on my forehead, upper lip, cheek, and chin. I also am growing hair on my chest, pubic area, arms,legs, and back. I am only 10 please help! I am also growing hair on my shoulders. Any tips?I’m a girl
I suggest you see a dermatologist who specializes in electrolysis as a treatment for Hypertrichosis disease as this treatment is permanent and will stop further growth of hair wherever the treatment has been given on the body. It will take time to get rid of all of the unwanted hair and I suggest you get the most visible parts of your body treated first, such as your face, neck, hands, arms, legs, and feet. The parts of your body which are covered by clothing can be done at a later time. Your life will change a lot were you to do so and you will feel better about yourself. I hope you do so and have a happy life ahead of you. I wish you the best.
I have to do a biology report over this and its not so bad he cant help whats wrong with him and this is pretty interesting to me!
Dear Bon,
look man there is no reason to turn to suicide because your’e hairy. I mean look at the dude that plays the beast in X-men. I’m doing a research paper on this disease so if possible tell me more about this “disease.”
-Jacob Davidson 14
my email is kennie947@gmail.com
heeeeeeeeeeellllllloooooooo