Mum of Little Boy with Rare ‘Werewolf’ Condition Claims She Ate Cat While Pregnant: “I Craved It”
Alma Gamongan has made headlines with her startling claim that her son’s unique appearance, characterized by excessive facial and body hair, was a consequence of her pregnancy diet.
What did the boy’s mother use to eat while pregnant?
According to Alma, she indulged in the consumption of a wild cat, a local delicacy, to satisfy intense cravings during her pregnancy with her son, Jaren Gamongan, now two years old.
The superstition surrounding Jaren’s condition, commonly referred to as “werewolf syndrome”, emerged from Alma’s belief that her dietary choice had invoked a curse.
“I worry so much for him when it’s time for him to go to school. He might get bullied for being different,” said Alma.
However, medical experts have debunked this notion, attributing Jaren’s condition to hypertrichosis, an exceptionally rare syndrome affecting only a handful of individuals worldwide.
“‘I blamed myself when he was born because of the cravings I had. I felt very guilty. But then, recently, the doctors told me it was not related,” she added.
Boy’s condition manifests in excessive hair growth
Jaren’s condition manifests in excessive hair growth across his face, neck, back, and arms, presenting unique challenges such as itchy rashes in hot weather.
Despite these difficulties, Jaren remains a cheerful and playful child.
Alma’s journey took a turn when she sought professional medical advice, leading to the confirmation of Jaren’s diagnosis by dermatologist Dr. Ravelinda Soriano Perez.
Dr. Perez emphasized that hypertrichosis is an inherited condition unrelated to Alma’s dietary choices during pregnancy.
While hypertrichosis has no cure, treatments like laser hair removal offer hope for managing the symptoms.
The boy’s condition has no treatment
“We will try to do ten sessions in four to six weeks and then observe,” said Alma.
However, the financial burden of these treatments weighs heavily on Alma’s family, with each session costing 2,500 Philippine Pesos (KSh 5758).
With assistance from compassionate individuals, Alma hopes to provide Jaren with the care and resources necessary for a fulfilling life, free from the stigma associated with his condition.
“I am very thankful to those who already helped us. I hope my son could have a better chance in life with your help,” said the mum.
As the family navigates this challenging journey, they remain grateful for the outpouring of support and advocate for greater awareness and understanding of rare medical conditions.
What is ‘werewolf syndrome’?
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology reports hypertrichosis as the term used for the growth of hair on any body part over the amount usually present in persons of the same age, race, and sex.
It is a rare condition that patients are born with or develop later in life. It excludes excessive hair caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones.
Throughout history, those afflicted have been a source of great interest and have performed in traveling circuses and freak shows.
Treatment options are limited, and therapy results are not always satisfactory. No single hair removal method is appropriate for all body locations or patients.
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The one adopted will depend on the character, area, and amount of hair growth, as well as on the patient’s age and personal preference.
Treatment methods include cosmetic procedures, bleaching, trimming, shaving, plucking, waxing, chemical depilatories, electrosurgical epilation, and hair removal using light sources and lasers.
Laser-assisted hair removal is the most efficient method of long-term hair removal.
Mum of Little Boy with Rare ‘Werewolf’ Condition Claims She Ate Cat While Pregnant: “I Craved It”
