Introduction:
Fingerprinting is the technique of documenting the skin ridge pattern present on the tips of every individual's fingers. Fingerprinting is the most commonly used technique for the identification and authentication of every individual in many government and private sectors. In most government and private offices, personal biometric information is collected to document personal information.
Fingerprints are important in many other fields, including forensic science, clinical medicine, criminology, anthropometry, customs, and security agencies. The spectrum of use of fingerprints ranges from acquiring entry to confidential digital records and managing transactions, logging daily office attendance, and accessing electronic devices. However, there is a medical condition where fingerprints are absent in fingers and toes, called adermatoglyphia. This article provides an overview of the rare medical condition called adermatoglyphia.
What Is Adermatoglyhia?
Adermatoglyphia is a condition where the ridges on the skin on the tips of the fingers and toes are absent. The ridges will also be absent on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. Adermatoglyphia can occur as a partial loss of the ridges or a complete absence of finger ridges. The pattern of ridges on the fingers is unique, called dermatoglyphs. They come in various forms, such as whorls, arches, and loops, which will be different and unique for each individual; no two people share the same pattern. In individuals with this condition, these ridges will be completely absent. In some individuals, no other signs and symptoms are associated with adermatoglyphia, whereas in others, skin-associated signs and symptoms are also noted.
However, no severe medical complication associated with adermatoglyphia is reported. Skin disorders associated with adermatoglyphia may include white bumps on the face called milia, less sweat glands on the hands and feet, and blistering at the site of heat exposure or friction. This condition is associated with rare syndromes like ectodermal dysplasias, dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis affecting the hair, skin, teeth, and sweat glands, or Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn syndrome.
What Is the Cause of Adermatoglyhia?
Adermatoglyphia is a genetic disorder caused by changes in the SMARCAD1 (matrix-associated actin-dependent regulator of chromatin) gene. This gene gives information for producing two versions of the SMARCAD 1 protein. One is a full-length version, and another is a short version, which is a skin-specific isoform. The full-length SMARCAD1 gene is responsible for maintaining the stability of cells. Only a little information is known about the short version of the SMARCAD1 protein, but it plays a key role in dermatoglyph formation. The fingerprint develops before birth and does not change throughout life. The SMARCAD1 gene mutations affect only the skin-specific version of the SMARCAD1 protein, reducing the amount of SMARCAD1 protein in the skin cells. A clear mechanism for how this gene mutation is causing adermatoglyphia needs to be better understood. However, scientists suggest that reducing skin-specific versions of the SMARCAD1 protein may damage the signaling pathways for normal skin development and function, leading to adermatoglyphia. In some rare cases, adermatoglyphia can be part of other disorders, including Naegeli-Franceschetti-Jadassohn syndrome/dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis (NFJS/DPR), chronic graft versus host disease, and in certain types of ectodermal dysplasias.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Adermatoglyphia?
The main characteristic feature of adermatoglyphia is the absence of the fingertips, palms, and soles. If adermatoglyphia is occurring due to any other genetic conditions, then the signs and symptoms of that particular condition may be noted. The absence of creases is the only notable sign of adermatoglyphia. But in some cases, a few other signs and symptoms appear, like:
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Clubbing of the fingers.
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The skin on the palms and soles will be dry and thick.
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Decreased sweating on the palms and soles.
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White lesion on the face.
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Individuals with adermatoglyphia may struggle to hold, or grip smooth, surfaced items and may slip while walking barefoot on smooth floors. This is due to the absence of ridges on the palms and soles.
What Is the Type of Adermatoglyphia?
1) Congenital Adermatoglyphia - It occurs due to the gene mutation of the SMARCAD 1 gene. Isolated adermatoglyphia is a very rarely occurring condition. Naegeli–Franceschetti–Jadassohn syndrome, Basans syndrome, Dermatopathi apigmentosa reticularis, Rothmund–Thomson syndrome, Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria, and Reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura are some syndromes which is associated with absence of finger creases.
2) Acquired Adermatoglyphia - It can occur due to dermatological or non-dermatological causes. Dermatological conditions such as
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Eczemas such as contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
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Blistering diseases include pemphigus vulgaris, Steven Johnson syndrome, epidermolysis bullosa, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
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Disorders of keratinization such as psoriasis.
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Infections such as palmar warts, leprosy, and tinea manuum.
All the above-mentioned conditions may be responsible for the acquired loss of dermatoglyphics in all or a few fingers. Non-dermatological causes may include burns, trauma, and surgically removing fingers. Even the extensive use of corticosteroids can lead to epidermal ridge atrophy.
What Are the Diagnostic Methods Used to Identify Adermatoglyphia?
Generally, individuals with adermatoglyphia do not pose any other complications, so this condition is diagnosed when checking for any other medical condition. Hence, the exact cause of the condition is hard to diagnose.
Adermatoglycia is diagnosed on the following basis:
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A complete physical examination and medical history of the individual are collected. A thorough examination of the hands and feet is done.
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Other laboratory investigative tests are usually unnecessary, but if the patient presents with other symptoms, the healthcare provider may conduct some assessments.
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The same signs and symptoms may be present with some other medical conditions. So, the healthcare provider recommends additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions.
What Is the Treatment for Adermatoglyphia?
Adermatoglyphia does not cause any physical discomfort, so any specific treatment is not required. Also, as this is a genetic disorder, there is no cure for this condition. If any signs or symptoms arise, treatment for them may be provided.
Conclusion:
Adermatoglyphia is a very rare genetic condition caused by the mutation SMARCAD 1 protein. The main symptom of this condition is a lack of ridges in the fingertips, palms, and soles. No other symptoms are generally seen, but associated skin lesions are reported in some people. The inability to identify an individual's fingerprints may cause legal issues for some people. However, there is no cure for this condition; if any associated symptoms arise, then it can be managed by healthcare professionals.
