Almost all humans have fingerprints, but there are extremely rare exceptions.
The Nearly Universal Presence of Fingerprints
The vast majority of people are born with unique fingerprints. These intricate patterns are formed before birth and are influenced by a complex interplay of genetics and environmental factors during fetal development. Each person's fingerprints are distinct, making them a valuable tool for identification. As stated in the MedlinePlus Genetics article, "Each person's fingerprints are unique, which is why they have long been used as a way to identify individuals." https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/traits/fingerprints/
The Exception: Adermatoglyphia
However, a very small number of individuals are born without fingerprints, a condition known as adermatoglyphia. This rare genetic disorder affects only a handful of families worldwide. As noted in one of the provided references, "There is a small minority of people who are born with smooth fingers or voided prints! This condition is called Adermatoglyphia, a rare genetic disorder, in the chromosomes. That causes a person to have no fingerprints. There are only four families in the world that do not have fingerprints."
Why Fingerprints are Unique
The uniqueness of fingerprints arises from the complex interaction of genetic predisposition and the in-utero environment. The precise way in which the cells grow on fingertips results in variations of ridges, furrows, and minutiae (small details). The r/askscience post discusses the mechanical reasons behind the non-identical development of fingerprints, highlighting the cellular growth processes. https://www.reddit.com/r/askscience/comments/1ajma5m/why_do_everyone_of_us_have_different_fingerprints/
A Note on Fingerprint Uniqueness
While often stated that no two fingerprints are alike, recent research using AI has challenged this absolute claim. However, the probability of two people having identical fingerprints remains incredibly low for practical purposes.
