Clinical Significance and Genetics of Epidermal Ridges-A Review of Dermatoglyphics

Study of the patterns of the epidermal ridges of finger, palm, and sole can serve as an aid to the diagnosis of many diseases, particularly those caused by chromosomal aberrations, which are frequently accompanied by distortion of patterns, but also in other diseases both genetically and non-genetically determined. In early pregnancy, an intrauterine growth disturbance affecting the extremities, whether due to hereditary or environmental factors, will be accompanied by abnormal dermatoglyphics. A clinical diagnosis should not be based on dermatoglyphic features alone because of the great natural variation found in print patterns, no single feature being specific to a particular disease. However, a complete examination of the patient with skin disease, particularly if the latter has a genetic component, should include observation of the epidermal ridges of hands and feet. Some suggestions regarding future studies are given