Not exactly sure how this family member died but I think maybe heart failure and I know when he was found we are guess apprx 18 hours after death, he was bloated and the skin on a cheek and neck burst.. can this happen? Thanks

From ISneezeFunny, an AMHD member who is in medical school in the Caribbean --

"Re: AMHD
Are bloating/blisters possible on the dead? Absolutely. This is when the body decomposes, and the skin sloughs off, and fluids in the body collect and cause "post-mortem blisters." They're usually found 18 - 24 hours post-mortem, and are USUALLY found in the thigh area, but it can happen in the face/neck area if the conditions are right (humidity, temperature, etc)."

Well it was like 8 degrees with a wind chill of 10 below and he was in the home where I'm sure the heat was on.. thanks..

How quickly a body decomposes depends on the conditions. Heat, cold, covered, whether bugs or rodents can get to it all make a difference.

I know.. but can the skin ACTUALLY burst?

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Yes, the skin can actually burst.