A mother feared her son’s “werewolf syndrome” was caused by eating a cat during pregnancy while trying to satisfy his cravings.
Two-year-old Jaren Gamongan from Apayao, Philippines, was born with a full head of hair, black sideburns and clumps of hair filling his face, neck, back and arms, the result of a “one-on-one” experiment. -millions of millions’ of medical condition.
But his superstitious mother, Alma, believed that the boy’s appearance was due to a curse she received when she ate a wild cat while she was pregnant with her son.
She said that during her pregnancy she had uncontrollable cravings for wildcat, an exotic dish found in the remote mountainous region where she lives.
Alma said that she looked for a black feline among friends in the town and ate it, sautéed with herbs, which she later regretted when Jaren was born.
Two-year-old Jaren Gamongan from Apayao, Philippines, was born with “werewolf syndrome,” but his mother believes it was because he ate a feral cat during 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 Рsaut̩ed with herbs Рto cure her cravings.
To his horror, his fellow locals encouraged his ideas about a curse.
However, when she finally took Jaren to qualified doctors this month, they discovered that he had a medical condition called hypertrichosis, an incredibly rare syndrome of which only 50 to 100 cases have been reported worldwide since the Middle Ages.
Footage of the adorable ‘werewolf’ boy shows him playing in a building and at home despite having a medical condition that caused him to grow excessive facial hair.
Alma said: ‘I worry a lot about him when it’s time for him to go to school. He might be bullied for being different.
‘I blamed myself when he was born for the cravings I had. I felt very guilty. But recently the doctors told me that he was not related.”
Of Alma’s three children, the middle child, Jaren, was the only one born with this condition.
His older sister and little brother were born without complications.
At two years old, Jaren already has a full back of hair that runs down his arms and up his neck.
The boy’s other two brothers were born healthy, Jaren is the only one born with this rare condition.
Dr Ravelinda Soriano Pérez, who examined Jaren, said: “We believe it is a hereditary disease, but it is very rare.”
Although Alma worries about bullying because of his unique appearance, she said he is a happy and playful child.
Alma said Jaren was a happy and playful child, but he complains of having itchy rashes when it’s hot.
Alma said, ‘I’ll give him a bath when it’s warm. We even tried cutting her hair, but it kept growing back even 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” that only affects approximately “one in a billion people.”
Dr Ravelinda Soriano Pérez, who examined Jaren, said: “We believe it is a hereditary disease, but it is very rare.” Only one in a billion people could suffer from it.’
The doctor added that while hypertrichosis has no cure, treatments such as laser hair removal could help the condition.
She said: “We will try to do ten sessions in four to six weeks and then observe.”
Mama Alma is now asking for help as each session would cost the family 2,500 Philippine pesos (£35).
She said: ‘I am so grateful to those who have already helped us. I hope my son can have better opportunities in life with his help.’