cheiloscopy

Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints. Like fingerprints, lip prints are unique to each individual and remain unchanged throughout a person's life. This uniqueness makes them a potential tool for identification. The patterns on the lips, including lines, fissures, and grooves, form these distinct prints.

The field of cheiloscopy has gained attention in forensic science as a supplementary method for identification. While not as widely used as fingerprinting, lip prints can be collected from surfaces like cigarette butts, glasses, or envelopes where an individual may have left a trace. Experts analyze these prints by categorizing them based on various characteristics and comparing them to known samples.

Research in cheiloscopy aims to classify the different types of lip print patterns and establish standardized methods for their analysis and comparison. Factors such as age, sex, and even certain medical conditions have been explored for their potential influence on lip print characteristics, although these correlations are still subjects of ongoing study. The potential applications extend beyond forensics, with some research suggesting use in anthropology and even orthodontics.