Nepal's werewolf family
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A family living in the northeast of Kathmandu, Nepal suffers from excessive hair growth due to an hormonal imbalance, leading villagers to liken them to werewolves
Together with his mother and two siblings, Nirah Budhathoki, 12, suffers from Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa, sometimes referred to as “werewolf syndrome”.
This is due to abnormal levels of androgen, of which testosterone is the primary hormone. It controls the development and maintenance of male characteristics - in this case, hair – increasing hair growth and pigmentation.
It can be treated and controlled by lowering insulin levels in the affected person and undergoing hair removal.
Nara Bahadur Budhathoki, 65, and his wife Devi, 38, pose for a photograph.
Devi Budhathoki, 38, in the midst of her household chores.
Mandira Budhathoki (left), 7, stands next to her friend outside a classroom at their school in Kharay, Dolkha District, about 190 km northeast of Kathmandu.
Manjura during one of her classes at school.
Niraj quenches his thirst with water from a stream.
Niraj lies on a hospital bed as a nurse prepares him for laser hair removal treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavre, on the outskirts of Kathmandu
Manjura rests on a hospital bed as a nurse prepares her for laser hair removal treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavre.
Devi looks at her daughter Manjura's face after her laser hair removal treatment at Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavre.
