Teen Sets Wild Guinness World Record Thanks To ‘Werewolf Syndrome’

Lalit Patidar, an 18-year-old from India, has achieved an unusual Guinness World Record for having the “hairiest face,” thanks to his rare condition called hypertrichosis, which causes excessive hair growth on the body.

Lalit Patidar’s face boasts an astonishing 201.72 hairs per square centimeter, earning him the Guinness World Record title in February.

“I am speechless,” Patidar said after receiving the recognition. “I don’t know what to say because I’m very happy to get this recognition.”

Hypertrichosis, sometimes referred to as “werewolf syndrome,” is an incredibly rare condition, with only about 50 documented cases since the Middle Ages, according to Guinness World Records officials. Patidar’s condition has resulted in 95% of his face being covered in hair.

“Lalit is one of only around 50 documented cases reported worldwide since the Middle Ages, making him one in a billion,” Guinness World Records said on its website.

“It’s very rare that people are not treating me well. Most people are good to me. It depends on the person. The first day of school wasn’t so good because the other kids were scared of me, but when they got to know me, they realized I’m not so different from them.”

Though Patidar is now proud of his appearance, he shared that his journey hasn’t always been easy.

He recalled his early school days when fellow students were initially frightened of him. “They were scared of me, but when they started knowing me and talking to me, they understood I was not so different from them,” he explained. “It was just on the outside that I looked different, but I’m not different inside.”

Despite some suggesting he should shave his facial hair, Patidar remains steadfast in his self-acceptance. “There is not much to say to people about that,” he said. “I tell them that I like how I am and I don’t want to change my look.”

The teen’s inspiring story has earned him a large following on social media, where he shares his journey with over 260,000 followers on Instagram, with many encouraging the teen and supporting him in his journey.

“It’s the way you look. No problem for us,” one fan wrote. “You should have love instead of bullying.”

“You look like a superhero,” another commented.

“You’re so beautiful,” a third chimed in. “The texture looks so soft and the color is so nice! I like that you are proud to keep it.”

“You have my full support,” someone else expressed.

“respect you my brother,” a fifth wrote.

He also appeared on the Italian show Lo Show dei Record, where his facial hair was measured for the official record.

Sharing his pride, Patidar posted a photo on March 8 holding his Guinness World Record certificate with the caption, “Proud of me.”Through his story, Patidar continues to advocate for self-love and acceptance, proving that beauty and confidence truly come from within.

“Werewolf Syndrome” in Babies Linked to Hair Growth Treatment, Officials Say

Health officials in Europe have identified a link between the use of minoxidil, a common hair growth treatment, and a rare condition known as ‘werewolf syndrome’ in infants. The phenomenon, which causes excessive hair growth, emerged in April 2023 when a baby boy in Navarra, northern Spain, began developing hair on his back, legs, and thighs over a two-month period.

According to the Pharmacovigilance Centre of Navarra, the infant’s father had been using a five percent minoxidil lotion on his scalp to treat baldness while caring for his son at home. When exposure to the drug ceased, the baby’s symptoms began to regress.

Further investigation uncovered 10 additional cases of hypertrichosis, commonly referred to as ‘werewolf syndrome’, in babies across Europe, all linked to minoxidil use. In each instance, the condition improved once the parent discontinued the treatment.

Health experts are now advising caution when using minoxidil products around young children, emphasizing the need for thorough handwashing and careful storage to prevent accidental exposure.