Understanding the Cause of Bluish or Purple Faces after Death

Have you ever encountered a situation where a person's face turned blue or purple after death? Is it due to the person being in a certain position, fell off a bed, or something else entirely? This phenomenon, often referred to as post-mortem discoloration, can be perplexing. In this article, we will explore the different reasons behind this color change and clarify the common misconceptions.

Causes of Post-Mortem Discoloration

Decomposition is a natural process that often leads to significant changes in the appearance of a deceased individual. One of the most noticeable changes is the discoloration of the face, as well as the rest of the body over time.

However, the color change can also be influenced by the position of the body at the time of death. If a body is found face-down, gravity plays a crucial role. After death, the blood, which can no longer circulate, starts pooling in the lower parts of the body. This process, known as post-mortem lividity or livor mortis, is particularly noticeable on the face and can cause it to turn a deep bluish or purplish hue.

Livor Mortis: A Sign of Post-Death Discoloration

Livor mortis is a medical term that refers to the discoloration of the skin caused by the pooling of blood in the lower parts of the body. This process typically occurs within minutes to hours after death and is a natural consequence of the cessation of blood flow.

Visualize a scab on your arm from a cut. Initially, the scab is dark red or almost black because it contains non-fluid blood. As the scab heals, the living tissue grows underneath it, eventually flaking off. This is analogous to the phenomenon of livor mortis, where the blood pools and causes discoloration without the body regaining life.

Other Causes of Post-Death Discoloration

There are various other reasons why a face might turn purple or blue after death. These include:

Strangulation: This is a form ofphyiscal violence that can lead to asphyxiation and post-mortem discoloration. Cyanide Poisoning: Exposure to cyanide can cause rapid and drastic changes in skin color. Respiratory Compromise: Conditions that affect breathing, such as choking or hanging, can also lead to post-mortem discoloration.

A Personal Account from Experience

During my tenure at a long-term care facility, I encountered a tragic incident involving an elderly woman. She was found in her wheelchair, face-down on the bed, the following morning. Despite the care givers' negligence, the finding was discovered only the next day, causing a major incident. Due to the position of the body, livor mortis was evidenced by a deep purplish hue on her face.

The position of the body at the time of death plays a significant role in the occurrence of livor mortis. In this case, the woman's face was pressed against the bed, causing blood to accumulate in the facial region and resulting in the characteristic discoloration.

Conclusion

The color change on a person's face after death can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the position of the body, decomposition processes, and specific medical conditions. Livor mortis, the specific term for post-mortem discoloration, is a natural result of blood pooling and the cessation of circulation. Understanding these factors can help clear up any misconceptions and provide a more comprehensive understanding of what occurs naturally during decomposition.

Keywords: decomposition, livor mortis, post-mortem discoloration