A stranger online diagnosed my son’s rare genetic condition from one picture – all he asked was simple question

A MOM has told how a stranger diagnosed her son’s incredibly rare genetic condition from one picture on Instagram. Katelyn Samples says someone messaged her on the platform about Locklan’s condition, which is so rare scientists only know about 100 cases. The 33-year-old mom says the stranger asked her if her 10-month-old had been diagnosed […]

A MOM has told how a stranger diagnosed her son’s incredibly rare genetic condition from one picture on Instagram.

Katelyn Samples says someone messaged her on the platform about Locklan’s condition, which is so rare scientists only know about 100 cases.

Instagram/Locklan Samples

Katelyn Samples says her son’s rare condition was diagnosed on Instagram by a stranger[/caption]

Instagram/Locklan Samples

Locklan has uncombable hair syndrome, meaning his hair stands up from the scalp and can’t be tamed[/caption]

The 33-year-old mom says the stranger asked her if her 10-month-old had been diagnosed with uncombable hair syndrome, meaning his hair stands up from the scalp and can’t be tamed.

Samples, from Georgia, told the Washington Post she “freaked out” at the mention of the word “syndrome,” and worried her son was in pain.

The condition is so rare Locklan’s pediatrician had never heard of it, so Samples had to take him to a specialist in Atlanta.

That’s when a pathologist confirmed Locklan has uncombable hair syndrome, or UHS.

The specialist eased the mom’s choice by informing her the boy was not in any danger or pain due to the rare genetic condition, which shows up in children between the ages of three months and 12 years, per WebMD.

The condition gives children dry, frizzy locks that are silvery-blond or straw-colored and stick up from the scalp.

“It can’t be tamed,” Samples said. “Nothing can fix it.”

There is currently no definitive treatment for the condition but it usually improves or goes away with puberty.

After Locklan’s diagnosis, Samples started an Instagram account to highlight her now 17-month-old son’s “uncombable locks.”

The mom hopes to encourage people to embrace their differences and also raise awareness about the condition.

She says parents from around the world now send her pictures of their children’s’ hair nearly every day for her to confirm whether they have UHS.

Samples helped one mom diagnose a child with UBS, and the two are now friends.

Locklan’s condition does not affect his health and the only symptom is “extremely sensitive skin.”

Instagram/Locklan Samples

Samples has started an Instagram to highlight her son’s condition[/caption]

Instagram/Locklan Samples

‘It can’t be tamed, Samples said of her son’s hair[/caption]