A popular hair-loss drug is linked to a shocking condition called ‘werewolf syndrome’ in babies, Spanish health officials have warned.
The unusual side effect has caused infants to develop excessive body hair after being exposed to the over-the-counter scalp treatment, minoxidil.
Minoxidil, often sold in the UK under the brand name Regaine, is widely used by adults to treat hair thinning. However, concerns have arisen that babies may be suffering from hypertrichosis — an abnormal growth of fine, dark hair on their faces, limbs, and backs.
This troubling issue came to light after Spanish authorities reported a case in which a baby boy developed thick patches of hair on his back and legs. The baby had been cared for by his father, who had been using minoxidil for his own hair loss. Health experts believe the drug may have been transferred from the father to the baby through skin contact or accidental ingestion.
Spanish officials have confirmed at least 10 cases of this rare condition across Europe, with all symptoms disappearing once parents stopped using the drug.
Experts also warn that young infants exposed to minoxidil could face serious risks to their heart and kidneys.
These shocking revelations come just a few years after a similar scandal in Spain in 2019, where 17 children, including babies, developed similar symptoms after unknowingly consuming minoxidil, which had been mislabelled as reflux medication.
In response, European health regulators are now requiring minoxidil packaging to include urgent warnings about the potential risks to babies, advising users to avoid contact with children after applying the drug to their scalp.
In the UK, Regaine is marketed as a treatment for hair loss. However, experts caution that it is not suitable for treating hair loss caused by stress or illness.
The NHS recommends users follow the product’s application guidelines carefully to avoid serious side effects.
As minoxidil gains popularity online, with some claiming it boosts eyebrow growth, health professionals are warning that misuse could lead to unwanted consequences — for both adults and their children.
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