Dactylogram

The fingerprint is by definition an unchangeable, individually imprinted and fixed impression of the papillary ridges on the volar end phalanx of a finger (fingertip or fingertip berry). Criminals thus assume that the fingerprint is unique and unchangeable (scarring injuries are excluded)(dactyloscopy). Even with identical twins, different prints are found.

There are different characteristics of the fingerprint:

• Basic pattern
• rough characteristics like loops, curves, coils
• finer features: Suction. minutiae
• Pore structure and pore spacing

Changes in the dactylogram (loss of papillary ridges of the fingers) are observed under chemotherapy (capecitabine), especially if a hand-foot syndrome has occurred. Furthermore, long-term topical application of glucocorticoids may also cause loss of finger groin relief.

This is of practical importance for the persons concerned, as they could possibly encounter difficulties at passport control when entering foreign countries. Also, the mobile phone identification by print analysis, or the analyser at the workplace might not work anymore. In general, it must be expected that the dactylogram will change in patients with chemotherapy and a hand-foot syndrome.

1. Al-Ahwal MS (2012) Chemotherapy and fingerprint loss: beyond cosmetic. Oncologist 17:291-293
2. Sergeant A et al (2012) Acquired loss of fingerprints: do topical corticosteroids play an aetiological role? Clin Exp Dermatol 37:679-680.