Reassessing Poroscopy: Obsolete or Underrated? A Research Article

Abstract

Poroscopy, the study of sweat pores on friction ridge skin, is an important sub-discipline of dermatoglyphics with applications in forensic science and biometric identification. Despite its established forensic value, limited data exist on poroscopic patterns in young adult populations, particularly among medical students.
To analyse the poroscopic patterns in fingerprints of 200 undergraduate medical students and evaluate any variations based on sex and digit type.
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 200 undergraduate medical students (100 males and 100 females). Fingerprint impressions were collected using standard ink methods. Pore characteristics—including pore frequency, shape (round, oval, elongated), arrangement, and position—were analysed under magnification. Statistical analysis was performed to determine sex-based and digit-based differences.
The average pore frequency per centimetre was significantly higher in females compared to males (p < 0.05). Round pores were the most prevalent shape across all fingers, while elongated pores were the least common. A notable asymmetry in pore distribution was observed between dominant and non-dominant hands. The middle and index fingers showed the highest pore density. No significant association was found between pore pattern and academic stress or lifestyle factors.
The study establishes baseline poroscopic patterns among young Indian adults in a medical academic setting. Findings suggest gender and finger-based variation in pore characteristics, supporting the forensic relevance of poroscopy in individual identification. Further research with larger, more diverse populations is recommended to expand on these observations