Penetrating Wound
Type: Symptom
Definition
A hole in the skin and underlying tissue.
Clinical Details
The primary physical sign is a clear entry wound where the bullet pierced the skin, often surrounded by gunpowder residue or burns if fired at close range. An exit wound, if present, is typically larger, ragged, and irregular due to the bullet tumbling and expanding inside the body. Bone fragments may be pulled out through the exit wound.