Health officials have warned that a popular hair-loss drug, minoxidil, could potentially trigger ‘werewolf syndrome’ in babies, leading to excessive hair growth on their faces and bodies. Since 2023, almost twelve cases of hypertrichosis, or ‘werewolf syndrome’, have been reported in Europe, with the unusual hair growth linked to minoxidil usage. The condition causes fine, long hair to sprout from various parts of the body, requiring management through shaving or waxing. One concerning case involved a baby boy in Spain whose hair growth was associated with his father’s use of minoxidil, which improved once the exposure to the drug was stopped.
Following this incident, the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarra in Spain identified ten more cases of ‘werewolf syndrome’ in babies across Europe, all connected to minoxidil use by parents. While symptoms improved upon ceasing the drug, health officials cautioned that young babies exposed to the medication could face potential risks to their heart and kidneys. In a separate incident in 2019, at least 17 children in Spain developed the syndrome after minoxidil was mistakenly placed in bottles labelled as omeprazole, a medication for acid reflux, prompting the implementation of new regulations and warning labels on minoxidil products.
It is essential to note that not all cases of hair loss require treatment and may resolve on their own or with time. However, if distressing, various treatments are available, though not all may be covered by the NHS. Finasteride and minoxidil are common treatments for male pattern baldness, with minoxidil also suitable for female pattern baldness. Keeping these medications out of reach of children is crucial, as accidental exposure can lead to adverse effects like ‘werewolf syndrome’. The NHS may offer some wigs or financial assistance for hair loss treatments, with other potential options including steroid injections, creams, immunotherapy, micropigmentation, light therapy, hair transplants, scalp reduction surgery, and artificial hair transplants, not all of which may be NHS-funded.
Ultimately, the use of minoxidil, a popular over-the-counter treatment for hair loss, has been linked to cases of ‘werewolf syndrome’ in babies across Europe. Health officials have identified several instances where hair growth on babies was associated with parental use of minoxidil, alleviating once exposure to the drug ceased. However, the health risks posed to young children by accidental exposure to minoxidil have prompted the enforcement of new regulations and warning labels on products containing the drug. While some cases of hair loss may not require treatment, various options are available for those seeking relief, though not all may be covered by the NHS, underscoring the importance of caution and oversight when using hair loss treatments like minoxidil.
