A mother has revealed her fears her son’s ‘werewolf syndrome’ was caused by her eating a cat during pregnancy while trying to satisfy her cravings.
Jaren Gamongan, two years old, from Apayao, Philippines, was born with a full head of hair, black sideburns and tufts of hair filling his face, neck, back and arms, as a result of a ‘one-on-one fight’. -billion’ medical condition.
But his superstitious mother, Alma, believed that the boy’s appearance was due to a curse placed on her when she ate a wild cat while pregnant with her son.
She said that during her pregnancy she had an uncontrollable craving for wild cats, an exotic food found in the remote mountain area where she lives.
Alma said she sought out a black feline from village friends and ate it – fried with spices – which she later regretted when Jaren was born.
Jaren Gamongan, two, from Apayao, Philippines, was born with ‘werewolf syndrome’, but his mother thinks it was because she ate a wild cat during her pregnancy
His mother, Alma, said doctors revealed this month that her son had a medical condition called hypertrichosis
When Alma was pregnant with Jaren, she ate a cat – fried with spices – to satisfy her cravings
To her horror, fellow locals encouraged her ideas about a curse.
However, when she finally took Jaren to qualified doctors this month, they discovered he had a medical condition called hypertrichosis, an incredibly rare syndrome with only 50 to 100 cases reported worldwide since the Middle Ages.
Footage of the adorable ‘werewolf’ boy shows him playing around a building and their home, despite having a medical condition that causes him to grow excessive facial hair.
Alma said, “I worry so much about him when it’s time for him to go to school. He may be bullied because he is different.
‘I blamed myself when he was born because of the desires I had. I felt very guilty. But recently the doctors told me it was unrelated.”
Of Alma’s three children, the middle child, Jaren, was the only one born with the condition.
His older sister and brother were born without complications.
At the age of two, Jaren already has a back full of hair that runs down his arms to his neck
The toddler’s two other siblings were all born healthy, with Jaren being the only one born with the rare condition
Dr. Ravelinda Soriano Perez, who checked on Jaren, said: ‘We think this was a hereditary condition, but it is very rare’
Although Alma worries about bullying at school because of his unique appearance, she says he is a happy and playful boy
Alma said Jaren was a happy and playful boy, but he complains of an itchy rash when the weather gets hot.
Alma said, “I will give him a bath when it is warm.” We even tried cutting the hair, but it just grew back longer and thicker, so we stopped.”
Alma finally had a consultation with a dermatologist this month.
They confirmed that Jaren’s condition was an ultra-rare hypertrichosis, also called ‘werewolf syndrome’, which is estimated to affect ‘one in a billion people’.
Dr. Ravelinda Soriano Perez, who examined Jaren, said: ‘We think this is a hereditary condition, but it is very rare. One in just one billion people could get it.”
The doctor added that while there is no cure for hypertrichosis, treatments such as laser hair removal can help the condition.
She said: ‘We will try to do ten sessions in four to six weeks and then observe.’
Mother Alma is now pleading for help as each session would cost the family 2,500 Philippine pesos (£35).
She said: “I am very grateful to those who have already helped us. I hope that with your help my son will have a better chance in life.’