Robinson, LiamBunn, Belinda KathleenBlumenthal, RyanBernitz, Herman2023-03-022023-01Robinson, L., Bunn, B.K., Blumenthal, R. et al. The “hypopigmented” bitemark: a clinical and histologic appraisal. International Journal of Legal Medicine 137, 99–104 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-022-02922-x.0937-9827 (print)1437-1596 (online)10.1007/s00414-022-02922-xhttps://repository.up.ac.za/handle/2263/89920So-called “hypopigmented” bitemark patterns, commonly seen but not limited to dark skinned individuals, can be of value in forensic investigations. The process of aging bitemarks observed on skin is controversial and without guidelines. This report analyzes tissue obtained from the site of a hypopigmented bitemark using special histochemical stains for the identification of melanin pigment, and a panel of immunohistochemical markers to aid in the aging process. Histologic evaluation clearly showed that cellular changes in the hypopigmented area were indicative of wound healing that had taken place over a period of time. This validates the hypothesis that a hypopigmented bitemark is an indication of a wound inflicted some days previously. These findings have value in forensic investigations, particularly in cases of suspected long-term physical abuse.en© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature 2022. The original publication is available at : http://link.springer.comjournal/414.Forensic odontologyHypopigmented bitemarksMicroscopic analysisWound agingHealth sciences articles SDG-03SDG-03: Good health and well-beingPostprint Article