Werewolf Boy Wishing For A Cure

by Dean Terry
Pruthviraj Patil, from the Indian district of Sangli, suffers from ‘Werewolf Syndrome’ one of the world’s rarest genetic conditions.

Only 50 people worldwide are known to suffer from congenital hypertrichosis, which makes hair grow all over the face and body.

Pruthviraj’s mother, Anita, says, “People used to come to see my child. They called him Bhagwan (God) and some even said he was a Rakshas (demon) and bad days were going to come due to the birth of the child. But our neighbours soon got used to Pruthviraj, and only when we meet people from outside our village are there questions. People stare at us and sometimes it is an embarrassment for the boy because sometimes they make fun of him and pass cruel remarks.”

Pruthviraj admits the hardest part is being teased for his wolf-like appearance, but admits that as more people get to know about his condition, he doesn’t have as many problems.

“It is difficult when I venture outside of my hometown or where people don’t know me,” said Pruthviraj. “But otherwise I have no problem with my hair, it doesn’t itch or smell or cause me rashes. I would like to get the hair removed but even after laser treatment it grows back. The doctors don’t have any answers. When I first went to school I used to get bullied and other children would laugh at me, but now they treat me like normal. We all play cricket together and the hair doesn’t stop me running or catching the ball, so it is not a big problem.”

Since the age of ten Pruthviraj has undergone a number of painful attempts at a cure, the most recent being a series of laser-treatments. But so far all efforts to cure the boys wolf-like appearance have been unsucessful.

Despite his abnormal hair growth Pruthviraj is healthy and enjoys school. His father, Dilip Patil, said, “He is good at his studies and has a sharp memory, he likes to play cricket with his friends every day and behaves like any normal child. It is most unfortunate nothing can be done about his hair. We don’t want people always pointing at him and staring at his unusual appearance.”

Pruthviraj says his fondest wish is to find a cure for his hairy problem.

He said, “When the time comes, how will I find a wife? I would like to grow up to have a normal life and have a normal job like everyone else. I fear that, because of my problem, when I am an adult people will treat me differently.”

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Werewolf Boy Wishing For A Cure

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