While the vast majority of babies are born with distinct fingerprints, it is possible, though exceptionally rare, for a baby to be born without them.
Most babies develop their unique fingerprint patterns during fetal development, typically between 10 and 24 weeks of gestation. These intricate ridge patterns remain unchanged throughout a person's life.
However, there is a very rare genetic condition known as adermatoglyphia, sometimes referred to as “immigration delay disease,” which results in individuals being born without fingerprints. According to a Director in the Department of Dermatology at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel, those with adermatoglyphia are born with finger pads that are smooth, apart from some possible creasing. This condition is extremely rare, with only four extended families in the world known to have it.
So, while the answer is generally "no" for most babies, the exception proves it's not universally true.
Here's a quick summary:
- Typical Development: Most babies develop fingerprints before birth.
- Rare Exception: Adermatoglyphia causes babies to be born without them.
- Characteristics: Smooth finger pads, sometimes with creases.
- Rarity: Very few known cases worldwide.
- Other Name: "Immigration delay disease."
Understanding this rare condition highlights the genetic complexity behind seemingly universal human traits like fingerprints.
