Spanish infants are developing “werewolf syndrome” due to their parents taking a popular over-the-counter hair-loss remedy. The Navarra Pharmacovigilance Center has reported 11 cases of hypertrichosis — commonly known as “werewolf syndrome” — in babies throughout Spain and has found that the topical drug Minoxidil was used by their caregivers. Infants who developed hypertrichosis grew tufty hair across their back, legs and face. In extreme cases, the syndrome can make their appearance resemble a Wookiee from “Star Wars.” (* I would have gone with ‘Ewok” here, given the size of the children). Investigators believe that the minoxidil cream being used by the infants’ parents is absorbed by the babies either topically or orally. In every case in Spain, the babies’ unwanted hair receded when the parent or caregiver stopped using the minoxidil.
* Many children with werewolf syndrome have gone on to success in school. Several have been voted School Mascot.
* On the bright side, they’ve been bonding great with the family dogs.
* And new in Spain just in time for Christmas: Baby’s First Shaving Kit.
* Sorry, parents. You have kids, you’ll be tearing your hair out. That’s just how it works.
* Nice to see there’s SOMEPLACE in the world where minoxidil actually grows hair.