[Formation of epidermal damage at entry by gunshot with a contact weapon]

Examination of contact bullet wounds shows the patterned inprint of the muzzle on the skin ("stanzmark") and further ragged structures around the periphery to be the remainders of the abraded epithelium. Usually these are turned outwards and from arch-shaped intraepithelial recesses, which contain residual amounts of propellant. The damage and soiling around the point of entry are the result of two factors in combination: the combustion gases and the gases escaping between the skin surface and the front of the barrel. This leads to different amounts of skin abrasion dependent on the amount and pressure of the gases. In this way, the frequently seen difference in size and shape of the stanzmark and the muzzle front can be explained.