Tattooing (stippling)
Definition: Tattooing is the deposition and embedding of unburnt or partially burnt gunpowder particles into the skin surrounding the entry wound.
Mechanism
- Gun fired.
- Unburnt powder particles expelled.
- Particles strike the skin.
- Particles become embedded.
- Result: tattooing.
Features
- Seen around the entry wound.
- Produced only in close/intermediate range firing.
- Appears as multiple reddish-brown or black punctate marks.
- Cannot be wiped off.
- Permanent unless removed by healing.
Tattooing vs Blackening
| Feature | Tattooing | Blackening |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Unburnt powder particles | Smoke and soot |
| Removal | Cannot be wiped off | Can be wiped off |
| Nature | Embedded in skin | Superficial deposit |
| Persistence | Persists after washing | Disappears on wiping |
| Range | Close/intermediate range | Very close range |
Caution
Do not confuse the two: tattooing is embedded and permanent (unburnt powder), whereas blackening is superficial and wipes off (smoke/soot). The wipe-off test is the key discriminator.
Medicolegal importance
- Indicates an entry wound.
- Helps estimate the firing range.
- Indicates discharge from a relatively close distance.