Antemortem and postmortem abrasion

Trait

Antemortem abrasions

Postmortem abrasions

Site

Anywhere on the body

Usually over bony prominences

Colour

Bright reddish-brown

Yellowish, translucent, and

parchment-like

Exudation

More; scab slightly
raised

Less; scab often lies slightly

below the level of skin

Microscopic

Intravital reaction and
congestion seen

No intravital reaction and

no congestion