Living with 'werewolf syndrome'
Niraj Budhathoki is a 12-year-old boy from Nepal who suffers from a rare genetic disorder. Officially known as Congenital Hypertrichosis Lanuginosa (CHL), it causes excessive body hair growth and is sometimes referred to as “werewolf syndrome”.
Niraj’s mother and some of his siblings have the same condition, and they are undergoing laser hair removal to reduce their symptoms.
Twelve-year-old Niraj Budhathoki sits under the shade of a tree in the remote village where he lives with his family.
Niraj's father talks to him and his seven-year-old sister Mandira as they look out of the window of their house.
Mandira, the youngest member of the family to suffer from CHL, plays with goats in their cattle shed.
Devi Budhathoki dries her clothes outside the family home.
Students stand in line during assembly at the school where Niraj, Mandira and Manjura study.
Manjura draws in an exercise book at school.
Mandira stands next to a friend outside a classroom.
The seven-year-old poses for a photograph as she plays outside her home.
Her brother Niraj drinks water from a stream in their village.
Niraj pulls on a t-shirt.
Devi Budhathoki poses for a picture next to her 65-year-old husband Nara.
Devi looks in a mirror as her daughter Manjura undergoes laser hair removal at the hospital in Kavre, on the outskirts of Kathmandu.
Niraj reacts in pain as he receives hair removal treatment.
He lies on a hospital bed during the treatment session.
Niraj poses for a photograph before undergoing the hair removal treatment.
His sister Manjura poses for a picture before her treatment.
Devi poses for a picture before doctors help to remove her body hair.
Devi, Manjura and Niraj smile for the camera after their treatment.
Seven-year-old Mandira poses for a photograph.
