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There are various signs that can be used to conclude that death has occurred. These include, but are not limited to, cardiac arrest, no pulse, non-rising chest or diaphragm, and many more. This type of symptoms also include the so-called precipitation spots. What are rain spots? How can you recognize them? In what places do they most often appear? Learn everything you need to know about rainfall spots in the following article.
What are rain spots?
Precipitation spots, also called death spots, are one of the many different symptoms of death. In some cases, precipitation spots appear during life, but even then we are dealing with a moribund state. Most often, these types of spots are a sign of stopping blood circulation and usually appear behind the ears.
Why are rain spots formed?
Precipitation spots are caused by the cessation of blood circulation and therefore zero blood pressure. Precipitation spots are therefore associated with red blood cells, which, according to the principle of gravity, move in such a situation to the areas of the body that are the lowest and appear on the skin as precipitation spots. It is worth mentioning that precipitation spots may not appear at all or may be very poorly visible, for example, when a person died as a result of bleeding.
What can you find out from rain spots?
Precipitation spots are not only a clear sign of death, but also very often help people working in, for example, forensics or forensics. On the basis of the precipitation spots, it is possible to determine when the death occurred, and also to draw preliminary conclusions about the causes of death. To do this, the size, location and color of rain spots should be analyzed. Facial rain spots that are very dark brown may indicate nitrate poisoning, for example, while bright red spots may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning. The vivid red color of rainfall spots may also indicate that the corpse was kept at a very low temperature. However, specialists investigating the cause of death must always take into account not only precipitation spots, but also all other symptoms of death.
What do rain spots look like?
Precipitation spots are usually fairly easy to recognize, although they can come in a variety of sizes. Some of them are only a few centimeters, while others can measure up to several centimeters. Their color is usually the most characteristic. They take a reddish-glaucous-purple color. It is worth noting that precipitation spots usually do not occur at the time of death, but a little later, most often about 30 minutes after death. They also do not change once they show up on the body. However, it must be remembered that the entire process of the appearance of rain spots can take up to four hours.
Occasionally, precipitation spots may move. This is especially true when the body of the deceased is transferred. Then the blood may also be dislocated. This phenomenon may occur no later than 12 hours after death. Such stains, however, are slightly different from the precipitation spots that appear immediately after death. They are paler.
Where do rain spots most often occur?
Precipitation spots can occur in different places on the body and often depend on the position of the person at the time of death, for example. People who die in the supine position have the most rain spots on their backs and sides. Interestingly, precipitation spots do not form where the body is in contact with the ground, because the pressure prevents blood from moving to these areas. People who die in an upright position, for example as a result of hanging, have the most rain spots on their feet and hands.
What are the other symptoms of death?
In addition to rainfall spots, there are also many other symptoms that testify to death. These include pale skin, as well as a significant cooling of the body. One of the symptoms of death is also the so-called postmortem concentration, which is characterized by stiffening muscles. This symptom usually occurs about three hours after death and can last up to four days. In the deceased, drying out of the body can also be observed, which is most visible on the conjunctiva, tongue and mouth. When it comes to the process of decomposition of the body, which belongs to the late signs of death, rotting is distinguished by bacteria and microbes, as well as autolysis related to enzymes in the body’s cells.