Contact (entrance) gunshot wounds to the head often show large stellate defects, due to the explosive blast of the gases driven under the skin, with powder/soot blackening in the base of the wound.
Contact gunshot wounds are of great significance in the forensic setting, most often implying intentional self- inflicted injury, although close physical struggle and execution-style shootings must also be considered. these wounds always require accurate description, and close attention to the size, shape and appearance of the base and periphery of the wound.