A two-year-old girl with 'werewolf syndrome' has been dubbed a 'child from heaven' by Malaysia's royalty.
Adik Missclyen, from Bintulu, has a rare condition that causes excessive hair growth all around her face and body.
Although 'werewolf syndrome' - officially known as congenital generalised hypertrichosis (CGH) - is not a serious condition clinically, 'the cosmetic burden on a child could be immense', the National Library of Medicine says.
Advert
This little girl, who was also born without nostrils, waited in line to meet Malaysia's monarchs as the Sultan and his queen payed a visit to Bintulu, while touring the island of Borneo on 11 September.
The girl's parents, Roland Jimbai, 47, and Theresa Guntin, 28, were among the locals who waited to see Sultan Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah and his consort Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah.
As the royal couple met Adik, they referred to the girl as 'anak syurga', which translates to 'a child from heaven'.
"It was worth the wait when Sultan Abdullah, Tunku Azizah and their children met up with our family and took pictures with Missclyen," her father said.
"I am incredibly happy that we had the chance to meet the King and Queen. I am still at a loss for words.
"The King told me to take care of Missclyenas she is God's blessing."
He added: "I hope to meet the royal couple again if possible."
The parent also claims that some horrible people in the past have referred to Adik as an 'animal child'.
He said: "Initially, we were really hurt and felt stressed.
"We felt upset and began avoiding bringing her to public places, except for hospital follow-ups.
"We were so afraid of what people were going to say."
The incredibly rare condition affects just a handful around the world, with fewer than 50 people thought to have it.
Lalit Patidar, from the village of Nandleta in Madhya Pradesh, India, is another young person who has CGH.
"I saw him half an hour after the birth and his whole body was covered in hair," Lalit's mum, Parvatibai recalled.
His dad, Bankatlal, said: "The nurse was startled when she saw him. She called the doctor in and asked him what was wrong.
"The doctor said not to worry, he's fine. The doctor didn't do anything, he just shaved his hair and that's all."
He added: "It doesn't grow longer or get shorter; we tell everyone it's a birth defect."
Lalit said that despite all the bullying and name-calling he has suffered in the past, he's always tried to remain positive.
And while there may never be a cure, he's learned to embrace his uniqueness.
Topics: World News, Health, Mental Health
Anish Vij