Loss of fingerprints: forensic implications

Abstract

Fingerprints have been successfully used for identification purposes for more than a century and remained one of the most commonly recovered evidence at the scene of crime. Due to their uniqueness and individualistic characteristics, the fingerprints are considered as the most powerful and widely used biometric characteristic. ‘Adermatoglyphia’ is a very rare condition where loss of fingerprints occurs. The present communication attempts to discuss the details of adermatoglyphia and its implications in the identification and recognition of individuals.