Forensic Dentistry, Second Edition

92 Forensic dentistry

The initial stages of decomposition may result in a phenomenon known

as gloving, in which the epidermal layer of skin separates from the dermal

layer of skin. In this situation, the epidermal skin can be cut from the dermis,

dried, and placed over the protected finger of an examiner for recording pur-

poses. If the epidermal layer is completely separated from the dermal layer,

recordings of the epidermis and dermis should be taken to ensure that they

match and are not from different individuals. This is especially important

in disaster situations where a commingling of remains often occurs. In an

advanced state of decomposition, the epidermis has usually putrefied, leaving

exposed dermal skin. Forensic examiners should not be surprised if they

inspect a body and see little or no visible friction ridge detail, as it is often a

sign of exposed dermal skin. Recovered dermal prints will appear different

than epidermal prints because a dermal impression will have a double row of

dermal papillae representing a single epidermal ridge.

Fingerprints can still be recovered from putrefied remains by using the

boiling technique, a method that uses boiling water to visualize or elevate

ridge detail on the dermis through osmotic rehydration. This process involves

bringing water to a boil in a hot pot and then submerging the hand from the

body into the water for five to ten seconds (Figure 6.6). The hand is then

removed from the water and examined for friction ridge detail, which will be

Figure 6.6 application of the boiling technique to recover friction ridge detail
from macerated remains.