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Living with Basan syndrome

A rare genetic skin condition with blisters at birth, small white bumps, and no fingerprints.

Understanding Basan syndrome

Basan syndrome is a rare genetic skin condition marked by newborn blisters, small white bumps (milia), and missing fingerprints.

It has been reported in two families and one unrelated person. One family had 13 affected people across three generations. Some people also have bent fingers and toes that do not fully straighten, and webbed toes. Symptoms are noted from childhood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Blistering skin
  • Missing or unusual fingerprints
  • Less sweating than usual (hypohidrosis)
  • Small white bumps (milia)
  • Fingers that stay bent (camptodactyly)
  • Thin or thickened skin

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in SMARCAD1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Children's Skin Disease Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Can genetic testing for the SMARCAD1 gene confirm the diagnosis?
How can we care for blistered skin and reduced sweating?
Should other family members be offered genetic counseling?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startChild
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesSMARCAD1

Changes in the SMARCAD1 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, so one changed copy of the gene is enough.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: absence of dermatoglyphics congenital milia; absence of dermatoglyphics-congenital milia syndrome; absence of fingerprints congenital milia; absence of fingerprints-congenital milia syndrome; baird syndrome; basan-baird syndrome

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Basan syndromeGARD ID 2336 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Basan syndrome.

Explore the Basan syndrome blog

Explore research for Basan syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Basan syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Basan syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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