Cheiloscopy: A Tool for Personal and Forensic Identification

Abstract

Skin over the lips is known to have patterns of ridges and furrows, study of which is known as cheiloscopy. Besides the traditional methods of identification like finger printing, sex determination, age determination, anthropometry and DNA analysis, cheiloscopy is gaining popularity among researchers because of a hassle free methodology and reliable results with developments in the fields of Forensic Medicine and Odontology, proving itself as a credible method of identification. To study the significance of studying lip prints in personal identification, a study of lip prints was conducted in Department of Anatomy, in collaboration with Department of Forensic Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi (Meghe), Wardha; on 100 undergraduate medical students aged between 17 to 20 years. The lip prints were studied with the help of a magnifying lens using Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification. The study concluded that lip prints are unique for every individual, and cheiloscopy can be practised as a reliable method for personal and Forensic identification.