'Vampire' disease could kill you, but doctors may have found a cure

Dr Schneider (in coat) with the family that has three sons with XLHED, two of whom have been treated successfully.

Doctors in Germany have successfully tested a cure for a rare congenital disorder that makes people resemble vampires, with fang-like teeth and an aversion to sunlight.

The condition, known as hypohi­drotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED), is characterised by impaired development of sweat glands, which can lead to life-threatening hyperthermia. That means exposure to direct sunlight that overheats the body is dangerous.