The use of hydrogen peroxide to visualize tattoos obscured by decomposition and mummification

Tattoos are distinctive, potentially important acquired identifying features that last for the life of the bearer, and persist into the postmortem period. However, the accumulation of decompositional pigments in the skin and subcutaneum will obscure tattoo designs. By treating the area with 3% hydrogen peroxide, the dark red-black decomposition products are temporarily removed, allowing underlying tattoos to be located, and photographed for identification purposes.