Which single finding on a skin wound BEST supports its being an entrance wound rather than an exit wound?

• A Everted, torn margins
• B Presence of a grease collar (bullet wipe) around the defect ✓
• C Larger diameter than the bullet
• D Irregular stellate shape

Explanation

As a bullet enters the skin, material wiped from its surface, comprising lubricant, barrel debris and metal, deposits as a grey-black ring called the grease collar or bullet wipe, which is characteristic of entry even when soot and stippling are absent at distant range. Exit wounds typically show everted, irregular margins and are often larger than the bullet, so those features favour an exit instead.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.