Dermatoglyphics: The Ever Lasting Impressions

The study of human hand has always been fascinating, not only to anthropologists and physicians, but also to psychologists, writers, painters and chiromancers. As from cradle to grave until the body decomposes finger prints remain unchanged. The study of palmar prints and finger prints is known as dermatoglyphics which is now days itself used as an extremely useful tool for preliminary investigations for premalignant lesions, dental caries, systemic diseases, genetic diseases and syndromes. This review focuses on the applications of dermatoglyphics in different fields of medical and dental sciences.