What are the reasons for faint or unclear fingerprints?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Malnutrition: Deficiency of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc can impair normal skin metabolism and repair functions, leading to rough, dry skin and unclear fingerprints. It may also be accompanied by symptoms like dryness and scaling of the skin. Vitamin A soft capsules, vitamin E soft capsules, and zinc gluconate oral solution may be used as directed by a physician to improve nutritional status.
Generally, unclear fingerprints may be caused by genetic factors, thickened skin keratin layer, malnutrition, eczema, psoriasis, and other conditions. If such situations occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Genetics: The shape and clarity of fingerprints are largely influenced by genetics. If most family members have faint or unclear fingerprints, the likelihood of descendants having less visible fingerprints increases. No special treatment is required; simply maintain proper hand skin care in daily life.
2. Thickened skin keratin layer: Long-term physical labor or frequent contact with rough objects can lead to continuous thickening of the stratum corneum on the hands, covering the fingerprint ridges and causing them to become blurred. Regularly use a gentle exfoliating product to clean the hands and apply moisturizing hand cream to keep the skin soft.
3. Malnutrition: Deficiency of nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and zinc can impair normal skin metabolism and repair functions, resulting in rough, dry skin and less distinct fingerprints. Symptoms may also include dryness and flaking of the skin. Vitamin A soft capsules, vitamin E soft capsules, or oral zinc gluconate solution may be used under medical guidance to improve nutritional status.
4. Eczema: When eczema affects the skin of the hands, inflammatory reactions occur, causing local redness, swelling, itching, and exudation, which disrupt the normal structure of fingerprints and make them less visible. Treatments such as mometasone furoate cream, halometasone cream, or tacrolimus ointment can be used according to the severity of the condition to alleviate inflammation.
5. Psoriasis: When psoriasis involves the skin of the hands, red plaques and scales appear, with excessive scaling covering the fingerprint surface, making fingerprints difficult to recognize. Itching and pain may also be present. Medications such as calcipotriol ointment, tacalcitol ointment, or tretinoin cream may be used under medical supervision to control disease progression.
In daily life, maintain a balanced diet to ensure adequate nutrition; avoid contact with irritants; practice proper hand skin care; and seek timely medical help if any skin abnormalities occur.
