Study of lip print pattern in Kerala sample population

Background: Identification of a person is the goal of forensic investigation. Elevations and depressions on the lip form a characteristic pattern called lip prints, the study of which is known as Cheiloscopy. Cheiloscopy is an established forensic technique that can be used to identify a person. The lip print pattern is unique for each individual, even for monozygotic twins. The lip prints also show differences according to ethnic origin of a person. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the distribution of lip print patterns among males and females of Kerala sample population and to determine the most common lip pattern in the study population. Method: The study group consisted of 100 Kerala students in the age group 17-25 years. Lip prints were obtained by applying lip liner evenly on lip. Lip impression was made on the glued side of a transparent cellophane tape which was then transferred on to a white sheet for permanent record. Lip print patterns were classified according to Tsuchihashi et al. Results and conclusion: Type III pattern was the most common lip pattern among the whole study population. In males, the predominant lip print pattern was type III, followed by type I and type II. In females, the predominant lip print pattern was type III, followed by type II and type I’. There was no statistically significant difference between the distribution of lip print patterns in males and females.