Dermatoglyphics (fingerprint) indicates epidermal ridge patterns of sole, palm, fingers, and toes. It is unique for each person, because it is determined by interaction of genes and intrauterine environment. Once dermatoglyphic patterns are formed, it is not affected by age, development, and environmental changes in postnatal life. Therefore, they exhibit positive values in predicting various genetically influenced disorders. Dermatoglyphics plays an important role in medicolegal, anthropology, and genetic studies. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, Down syndrome, bronchial asthma, schizophrenia, and breast cancer are some of the diseases that can be screened by dermatoglyphic identification.
