Buttonitis

Buttonitis causes the host to age backwards while maintaining all their faculties as they age. As such, a wise old man would appear as a ten year old, and pass away ten years later as an infant.

Transmission & Vectors

Natural transmission of the curse has never been discovered. All instances of the curse happened as a result of faulty magic, cursed objects, or divine wrath.

Symptoms

The symptoms are not immediately apparent. However, over the course of the first few years the subject notices an increase in their physical faculties. Old creatures affected reported a recoloring of the hair, a new sense of vigor, and the disappearance of wrinkles. Often believed initially to be a blessing, the affected creatures do not report these symptoms immediately.

Treatment

There is currently no known treatment. Attempts at treatment have included sunlight treatment, magic, and divine petitions. The only known example of a person overcoming this curse was a wish. However, upon being freed from the curse, the now 135 year old man fell over and died of old age.

Affected Groups

There is no similarity between affected individuals. The curse does not show preference or difference between races, sexes, or social status.

Cultural Reception

Carriers of the condition are seen by society as cursed, and therefore deserving of their current condition. Many fear that any aid proffered to a sufferer of this curse might receive the curse themselves, and as such they are shunned in the public sphere.

Type

Physiological

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Extremely Rare