This boy has a rare genetic condition that causes him to have excess hair all over his body. It is a condition that has earned him a derogatory name; the werewolf boy. One look at him will scare anyone who has never heard of such conditions.
Lalit Patidar, 13, from Ratlam in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, was born with congenital hypertrichosis. This is a condition that causes his hair to grow up to 4cm all over his condition. Consequently, this condition has caused a lot of unease in his life.
Lalit’s parents have explored all manner of treatments without any success. From traditional methods to laser treatment, none of them seem to change this condition. However, he has not lost hope of living a ‘normal’ life.
‘Sometimes I wish I was like other children, but I cannot do much about it. I have got used to the way I am, and I am usually comfortable with myself,’ he says.
Lalit says that sometimes he is despised by his peers, who sometimes call him a monkey, werewolf boy and throw stones at him. However, some have understood his condition and actually are fond of him.
Not much is known about this rare condition, which is known to affect about 50 people in the universe. Due to it’s rare occurrence, research about it has not really advanced.
‘I sometimes wish to have some surgery to get rid of excess hair because I want to be friends with everyone. They shouldn’t hesitate to play with me.’
But despite his setbacks, Lalit is optimistic about his future and has ambitions of joining the police force.
Watch his story here