World
December 4, 2024 11:00
navarra - Eleven babies in Navarra, northern Spain, have recently been affected by hypertrichosis, also known as Werewolf Syndrome, due to the use of the drug minoxidil by one of the parents.
Eleven babies in Navarra, northern Spain, have recently been affected by hypertrichosis, also known as Werewolf Syndrome. This condition causes excessive hair growth in areas where normally little or no hair grows, such as the face, back, and limbs.
According to reports from the Spanish media El Pais, the children contracted this syndrome through the use of the drug minoxidil by one of the parents. Minoxidil is intended to prevent baldness. The effect was discovered through research conducted by the Navarra Pharmacovigilance Center. All these infants developed Werewolf Syndrome after the parent/caregiver used the medication for baldness treatment.
The Navarra Pharmacovigilance Center hypothesizes that there is a transmission of minoxidil from adults using this medication topically. As the drug is applied directly to the skin, a baby may come into contact by sucking or chewing on the caregiver's head or hands after the application. Because children have thinner skin, the substance is more easily absorbed.
An interview with an affected family revealed that a father used a lotion containing 5% minoxidil to treat baldness. He took a month off to take care of his newborn son, spending a lot of time with him. When he stopped the treatment, the baby's symptoms disappeared completely.
Five years earlier, several children in Spain were also affected by Werewolf Syndrome. At least 17 children apparently developed excessive hair growth due to minoxidil intake. It was also revealed that there was a mix-up in medications at the time. The parents believed they were taking omeprazole, a drug for acid reflux. However, upon investigation, it was found to contain minoxidil.
In 2023, a case was reported in Spain where a baby developed excessive hair growth on the back, legs, and thighs within two months. The investigation revealed that the father was using a hair growth product containing 5% minoxidil.
Following this discovery, more cases emerged in Spain and several other European countries. Research indicated that in all instances, the parents or caregivers had used minoxidil, leading to the onset of hypertrichosis symptoms in their babies.
Last year, the Spanish Agency for Medicines (AEMPS) issued an official warning about this risk. The European Medicines Agency's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) also emphasized the need for parents and caregivers using minoxidil to be extra cautious and to try to avoid contact with babies as much as possible.
Users of the drug should ensure thorough handwashing and always prevent the treated skin from coming into contact with babies. Objects such as clothing or bedding that have been in contact with the medication should also be kept out of children's reach.