Dermatoglyphic Patterns in Various Dermatoses among Kashmiri Population : A Case Control Study

Abstract

Background: Possible relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns and other diseases, including dermatological diseases, especially those with genetic and hereditary basis such as vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia areata, have been found in various studies but there is paucity of data from India to uphold the association. Aims and Objectives: To study the relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns with various dermatoses such as psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and pemphigus vulgaris. Material and methods: This hospital based study involved 140 patients with psoriasis, 76 with vitiligo, 84 with alopecia areata and 30 pemphigus vulgaris patients, compared to 1838 age and sex matched control patients. Rolled finger and hand prints of palmar surfaces of both hands were obtained by the ink method. Results and observations: In the control group, loop pattern of dermatoglyphics was the commonest, found in 54.52%, followed by whorls in 36.78% and arch in 8.70%. In psoriasis patients, whorl pattern was the commonest (44.29%), followed by 31.43% loop, 21.43% arch and 2.86% composite pattern. In vitiligo patients, loop and whorl pattern was found in 44.74% patients each, followed by arch pattern in 10.53%. In patients of alopecia areata, whorl pattern was found in 45.24% patients followed by loop in 30.95% and arch pattern in 23.81% while in pemphigus vulgaris patients, loop pattern was found in 50% patients, followed by whorl in 40% and arch in 10% patients. Conclusion: There was statistically significant difference between psoriasis patients and controls regarding loop, arch and composite patterns, but no significant difference with respect to whorl pattern. Similarly, there was a significant difference between alopecia areata patients and controls for loop and arch patterns, but no significant difference regarding whorl pattern. There was, however, no