# Can I change my fingerprints? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 22, 2021, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835 "2021-06-22T11:32:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Machine\_Elf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/82dd89/32.png) [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2021, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835/1 "2021-06-22T11:32:22Z")
Given that identical twins do not share identical fingerprints, it seems that the patterns are due at least in part to something other than genetics. If I abrade my existing prints down past the bottoms of the troughs (e.g. with fine sandpaper), can I get new prints to grow back with a different pattern? Or does the pattern run deeper into the skin than that? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2021, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835/2 "2021-06-22T11:37:43Z")
Basically, no. > **[Do Fingerprints Ever Change?](https://www.scienceabc.com/humans/fingerprints-unique-change-age-alter-crime-diseases-identification-biometrics.html)** > > Fingerprints are kind of like a natural identity card that we possess. Not even identical twins have the same fingerprints. > ## Can you change your fingerprints? > > The short answer is… No, fingerprints do not change over time, but there is a catch: they do not change as we grow old, but they can be affected by certain external conditions. > > A person’s fingerprints usually form in the 17th week of pregnancy. These prints are set in stone before we are even born. As a person grows, the prints get bigger while retaining the same pattern. Essentially, the prints just scale up gradually. > > ## What affects the fingerprints? > > Remember, fingerprints are permanent, but they can be affected by the following circumstances: Followed by a list on conditions. Sanding them down will leave you with no prints temporarily but they will grow back. Or you can scar them up but that will still leave a unique print. ---
**Author:** ![lobotomyboy63](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobotomyboy63/32/2900_2.png) [@lobotomyboy63](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lobotomyboy63)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2021, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835/3 "2021-06-22T11:48:11Z")
I know it’s been tried. > **[Colombian drug lord known as 'El Loco' who burned off his own fingerprints...](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2360756/Colombian-drug-lord-known-El-Loco-burned-fingerprints-acid-finally-charged-New-York-courtroom-importing-cocaine-U-S.html)** > > Colombian drug kingpin Daniel Barrera made his first appearance in a U.S. court on Wednesday and pleaded not guilty to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States. ---
**Author:** ![Hari\_Seldon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hari_seldon/32/5173_2.png) [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2021, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835/4 "2021-06-22T20:48:51Z")
My fingerprints have worn off with age to the point that it actually makes it harder to pick a piece of paper off a table. They are virtually invisible and I wonder whether they would lease usable prints. There is a criss-cross pattern of wrinkles that cuts across the prints. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2021, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-change-my-fingerprints/944835/5 "2021-06-22T22:42:09Z")
Burning Man takes place on a dry lakebed atop somewhat alkali dust. It is an outstanding exfoliant and my fingerprints are virtually gone on my return. I volunteered as a grade school tutor for a number of years and for some reason had to submit my fingerprints every year. This was in mid-September and every year the guy would have trouble lifting my prints. A month later they’d be back, the same as they ever were. I’ve joked that if I wanted to take up a life of crime, I had a three week window of opportunity in early September.