The novel observation that there are three distinct patterns of palmar hyperlinearity merits further investigation: it may help to clarify the ultrastructural mechanisms by which filaggrin haploinsufficiency results in hyperlinearity, as the pattern of linear markings running perpendicular to the thenar eminence (pattern 1, Fig. 2) predominates in cases of ichthyosis vulgaris, although the cross-hatched pattern (pattern 3, Fig. 2) is more prevalent overall. The gene discussed is FLG; the disease is ichthyosis vulgaris.