ABSTRACT
It is essential to appreciate that the signs of immersion are unrelated to drowning. Any dead body, whatever the cause of death, will develop signs of immersion if left for a sufficient time in water.
The earliest stages of immersion are commonly seen in those who spend a long time with their hands immersed in water: the skin of the tips of the fingers becomes somewhat opaque and wrinkled. These changes, known as ‘washerwoman’s fingers’, develop after a few hours in cold water (and a shorter time in warm water) as the skin, but especially the thick keratin layers on the palms and soles, becomes macerated and appears white and wrinkled. After a few days, this macerated skin will begin to separate and, usually
within 1-2 weeks (again depending on temperature), the skin will peel off the hands and feet.
