Age estimation of abrasion by their colour changes

Estimation of an injury in living as well in dead is of paramount importance in any criminal investigation. Determination of the age of injuries is crucial in clinical forensic medicine work because it is related to the time of occurrence of the crime. Doctor is required to ascertain the date of injuries while preparing an injury report. Present study illustrates the sequential changes in abrasive injuries and to compare the findings with available standard data. All the medico-legal cases brought to the emergency/ OPD/IPD /cases or for post mortem examination were selected over a period of 18 months who were having abrasions on their body. On comparing with standard data, 100% individual showed bright red abrasion for first 12hrs. Scab formation was completed within 12 to 48hrs in 7% individuals and within 24-48 hrs in 93% individuals. Healing reached another stage of scab turning dark brown on 3rd and 4th day in 41% individuals while it was seen completed on day 5 in 18% individual. Observations of this study was similar at times but not regularly often with the sequential colour changes mentioned in the available literature.