Estimation of the age of bruises using a colorimeter in a Thai population

Abstract

Background: It is critical to seek a medical opinion to estimate the aging of bruises. Several techniques have been consistently assessed for this purpose, among these bruise color observation yields promising results.

Objectives: This study is aimed to investigate the efficacy of a colorimeter as a tool for dating bruises on living persons.

Methods: This study followed 41 Thai healthy patients who had a history of blunt force injury. By using a colorimeter, the bruise colors were evaluated and expressed in terms of L* a*b* values and compared to the baseline values obtained from the surrounding area near the bruises. These resulted in delta L*, delta a*, and delta b* values, which were used to investigate changes in the healing process over time.

Results: About 70.0% of all bruises show the peak of color to the naked eye between 72 - 168 hours. The appearance of delta L*, delta a*, and delta b* in the bruise areas were significantly correlated with the time after injuries (P < 0.0001). Neither the location of bruises nor the type of skin color was statistically significant.

Conclusions: The results of this study reinforces the utility of colorimetry for the understanding of the dynamics of bruise colors. With additional research and more subjects, the dating of bruises could be established for use in forensic investigation.