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Boy, 2, is ‘world’s hairiest baby’ after being born with ‘werewolfism’

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His ultra-hairy body sees the boy complaining about itchy rashes when it
His ultra-hairy body sees the boy complaining about itchy rashes when it's hot

MEET the extraordinary boy who looks a real-life werewolf with hair enveloping his face and body - all due to a one-in-a-billion medical anomaly.

Dubbed potentially as the world's hairiest baby, his mother's peculiar theory blames her "cursed" pregnancy craving for a wild animal.

Jaren Gamongan was born with a full head of hair, black sideburns, and patches that filled his face qhiqqkikixprw
Jaren Gamongan was born with a full head of hair, black sideburns, and patches that filled his faceCredit: ViralPress
The two-year-old was born with a one-in-a-billion medical condition
The two-year-old was born with a one-in-a-billion medical conditionCredit: ViralPress
Jaren, from the Philippines, was born with a condition called hypertrichosis
Jaren, from the Philippines, was born with a condition called hypertrichosisCredit: ViralPress
Jaren's mother Alma, believed it was all her fault after eating a wild animal during her pregnancy
Jaren's mother Alma, believed it was all her fault after eating a wild animal during her pregnancyCredit: ViralPress

Jaren Gamongan from Apayao, the Philippines, was born with a full head of hair, black sideburns, and patches that filled his face, neck, back, and arms.

His superstitious mum, Alma, believed the boy's appearance was due to a curse wrought upon her when she ate a wild cat while pregnant with the child.

Despite Alma's beliefs there's no medical evidence the cat consumption sparked the condition.

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She said that during her pregnancy, she had uncontrollable cravings for wild cats, an exotic dish that is found in the remote mountain region where she lives.

Alma sought out a black feline from village friends and had it sauteed with herbs - a decision she later regretted when Jaren was born.

Her neighbours kept feeding her ideas about a curse, but when she finally took Jaren to qualified doctors this month, they found out he had a medical condition called hypertrichosis.

The incredibly rare syndrome only affects an estimated "one in every one billion people" as only 50 to 100 cases were reported worldwide since the Middle Ages.

Footage shows the two-year-old playing around a building and their home, but Alma worries his unique looks will be a challenge in school.

She said: "I worry so much for him when it's time for him to go to school.

"He might get bullied for being different.

"I blamed myself when he was born because of the cravings I had. I felt very guilty.

"But then recently the doctors told me it was not related."

Out of Alma's three kids, middle child Jaren was the only one looking different.

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She said Jaren was a happy and playful boy but he complains about having itchy rashes when the weather becomes hot.

"I will give him a bath when it's hot. We even tried to cut the hair, but it would just grow back even longer and thicker, so we stopped doing it," she explained.

After seeing baby Jaren this month, dermatologist Dr Ravelinda Soriano Perez said: "We believe this was an inherited condition, but it is very rare. One in only one billion people could have it."

The doctor added that while hypertrichosis did not have a 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."

Mum Alma now pleads with good Samaritans for help since each session would cost the family 2,500 PHP (£34.97).

She said: "I am very thankful to those who already helped us. I hope my son could have a better chance in life with your help."

Jaren usually complains of itchy rashes in the warm months
Jaren usually complains of itchy rashes in the warm monthsCredit: ViralPress
Alma believed the boy's appearance was due to a curse wrought upon her when she ate a wild cat
Alma believed the boy's appearance was due to a curse wrought upon her when she ate a wild catCredit: ViralPress
Alma took her baby boy to a dermatologist this month, who explained that Jaren was not cursed
Alma took her baby boy to a dermatologist this month, who explained that Jaren was not cursedCredit: ViralPress
The boy has a 'werewolf-like' appearance as hair also covers his whole back
The boy has a 'werewolf-like' appearance as hair also covers his whole backCredit: ViralPress
Jaren will now go through laser hair removal sessions
Jaren will now go through laser hair removal sessionsCredit: ViralPress

Juliana Cruz Lima

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