Article by: Dr Zoe Arugay
Photo: Fame Pictures 

Twilight season is upon us! In fact, Twi-heads are lined up at the Nokia Plaza to 'secure a spot' at the upcoming arrivals for the invitation-only premiere of "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." To which I direct a question at Twi-heads anxious in line: have you heard of real wolfmen and real vampires?


Lemme explain in medical terms.

The wolfman syndrome, or medically called hypertrichosis, is a condition where there is an excessive growth of hair. The excessive growth may either be seen as generalized (throughout the body) or localized (in just some certain parts). Hair is only found in areas where hair is normally present. In other words, areas such as the palms, soles, mucous membranes, and certain parts of the genitalia are spared.

There are two types of excessive hair disorders: hypertrichosis, which is a non–androgen-related pattern of excessive hair growth that may involve the fine type of hair seen in babies, to the type of hair we have on our scalps. This condition can be seen along with certain genetic syndromes, or secondary to medications such as minoxidil and phenytoin.

The other type is called Ambras syndrome, considered to result either from an increase in the number of hairs in anagen (the active phase of growth of hair follicles) or from an increased number of follicular units.

It is congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa that is usually associated with the wolfman syndrome.

There are a number of differences between congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa (CHL) and Ambras syndrome, and the cause for both conditions differ. Although both conditions have hair covering most of the body, but the type of hair differs - in CHL, the fine, blond or non-pigmented hair seen at birth may grow and often blend with the darker hairs of the scalp and eyebrows. In Ambras, fine hair uniformly covers the body and may show increased hair growth in distribution and density as the patient grows older. CHL is believed to be inherited, however, there are other evidence to suggest that they are spontaneous mutations. On the other hand, the proposed etiology for Ambras is genetic.

This condition is so rare that there are only approximately 50 reported cases since the Middle Ages.

CHL is not know to be associated with an increased rate of mortality, nor are there any documented long-term medical or physical morbidities. However, imagine the psychological issues they may be going through.

Medications may aid in improving the physical appearance of a patient with CHL or Ambras. Anti-depressants may be given in some patients. In certain cases, lasers may be used. Of course, they may also shave, wax or use creams.

This is opposed to what Jacob appears in the Twilight series where he doesn't have an excess in hair growth. In his defense, he is a shape-shifter, only exhibiting all those fur when he morphs into a werewolf. Moreover, there is no medical explanation yet as to how one man can regenerate, phase, and have high durability rate to go with hypertrichosis. (Yes, I do acknowledge that Twilight is fiction).

Visit our Health tab this week for: The Vampire Syndrome.