A Clinical Study on Palmar Dermatoglyphics in Psoriasis

Abstract

BACKGROUNDThere is dearth of data regarding the dermatoglyphic pattern in psoriasis patients of South India. The aim is to study the palmar dermatoglyphic pattern in psoriasis and to compare it with that of a comparison group. MATERIALS AND METHODSAll consecutive psoriasis patients who attended the Department of Dermatology in Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram during a period of one and a half year were included in this descriptive comparative study. RESULTSThe study population comprised of 103 patients. A similar number of normal population was considered as a comparison group. In fingertip patterns, loops were the predominant pattern followed by whorls and arches in psoriasis patients. In thumb of both hands, the number of whorls were high in psoriasis patients compared to comparison group. In index finger of both hands, the number of arches were high and whorls were low when compared to comparison group. A low whorl pattern in middle finger (right and left) and a high arch pattern in left index finger were observed in psoriasis patients. A low ulnar loop pattern in left ring finger, low whorl pattern in right ring finger and a high arch pattern in both ring fingers were observed in psoriasis patients. A high number of arch patterns were observed in both little fingers. An increase in true patterns was observed in right interdigital space I. The mean total finger ridge count was high in psoriasis patients. CONCLUSIONDermatoglyphics can be used as a cost-effective tool to predict the occurrence of psoriasis in a person. Dermatoglyphic analysis can be included in examination of persons who are susceptible to psoriasis (in case of family history of psoriasis) and in psoriasis patients, due to its advantages such as easy method of taking palm prints, fast results and cost-effectiveness.