Chinese Cat-Girl

A few months ago, six-year old Li Xiaoyuan had a fuzzy, little birthmark on her back. When the small tuft of gray hair started spreading, doctors told her parents not to worry, that it was natural. But now, short, fine, gray hair covers the little girl's back - even the back of one of her elbows! Her peers have ostracized her and other children refuse to play with her. They taunt her with the nickname, "Cat-Girl."

One surgeon suspects Li may have a rare skin disorder which causes moles to "run amok." He says laser surgery might have helped early-on, but is too risky at this point. Doctors remain baffled by the unusual case.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009