Tattooing (stippling) around a gunshot wound is produced by unburnt powder grains and cannot be washed away. It is seen when the range of fire is:

• A Contact range only
• B 0 to 15 cm (close range)
• C Greater than 100 cm (long range)
• D 15-60 cm (intermediate range) ✓

Explanation

Tattooing (powder stippling) is caused by unburnt gunpowder grains embedding in the skin, producing tiny abrasions that cannot be wiped off. It is seen at intermediate range (approximately 15-60 cm with a pistol), beyond the range of soot deposition. At contact or very close range (0-15 cm), soot (fouling) deposits around the wound but unburnt powder grains mostly enter the wound track.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.