Hickeys,  those  telltale  red  marks  left  by  intense  sucking,  can  be  a  source  of  annoyance  or  amusement,  depending  on  the  situation.  But  regardless  of  how  you  got  it,  one  thing’s  for  sure:  you  probably  want  to  get  rid  of  it  fast.  

This  article  explores  various  strategies  to  speed  up  the  fading  process  of  a  hickey,  separates  fact  from  fiction,  and  offers  tips  for  preventing  them  from  happening  in  the  first  place.

Understanding Hickeys: What They Are and Why They Happen

A  hickey,  medically  termed  petechiae,  is  a  bruise.  The  intense  sucking  motion  bursts  tiny  blood  vessels  (capillaries)  under  the  skin’s  surface,  causing  blood  to  leak  into  the surrounding tissue.  This  trapped  blood  presents  as  a  reddish-purple  mark  that  gradually  changes color  (from  red  to  blue  to  yellow  to  brown)  as  the  body  reabsorbs  the  blood.

The Importance of Time: How Long Does a Hickey Typically Last?

Unfortunately,  there’s  no  magic  bullet  to  instantly  erase  a  hickey.  The  healing  process  depends  on  the  severity  of  the  bruising  and  your  body’s  natural  healing  rate.  Generally,  a  hickey  can  last  anywhere  from  a  few  days  to  two  weeks.

Fact vs. Fiction: Debunking Common Hickey Myths

While  there  are  numerous  home  remedies  floating  around  the  internet,  it’s  important  to  distinguish  fact  from  fiction  when  treating  a  hickey.  Here’s a breakdown  of  common  myths:

Myth: Applying heat will make a hickey fade faster.

Reality: Heat can actually worsen bruising by increasing blood flow to the area. Stick to cold treatments.

Myth: Toothpaste can help get rid of a hickey.

Reality: Toothpaste is not designed for skin and may cause irritation. There’s no evidence to support its effectiveness on hickeys.

Myth: Sucking on the hickey again will make it disappear faster.

Reality: This will only further irritate the area and prolong healing.

Science-Backed Solutions: Effective Strategies to Fade a Hickey

Here  are  evidence-based  approaches  to  encourage  healing  and  speed  up  the  fading  of  a  hickey:

Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress wrapped in a thin cloth to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. The cold constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation.

Elevation: If possible, elevate the area with the hickey above your heart. This helps reduce blood flow and promote drainage of excess fluid.

Aloe Vera Gel: The soothing properties of aloe vera gel may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Look for aloe vera gel with minimal added ingredients. 

Beyond Treatment: Tips for Preventing Hickeys in the First Place

Prevention  is  always  better  than  cure.  Here  are  a  few  tips  to  avoid  getting  hickeys  altogether:

Communication: Open communication with your partner is key. If a hickey is unwanted, communicate your preferences clearly. On the other hand, if a hickey is a desired expression, open communication ensures everyone is on the same page.

Alternative Expressions: There are plenty of ways to express affection that don’t leave marks. A massage, a romantic dinner, or simply spending quality time together can be just as meaningful.

Living with a Hickey: Covering Up and When to See a Doctor

While  most  hickeys  fade  on  their  own  within  a  couple  of  weeks,  certain  situations  might  call  for  covering  them  up.  Here  are  some tips:

Makeup: For facial hickeys, concealer and foundation can be used to camouflage the discoloration. Choose a color that matches your skin tone and apply a green color corrector first to neutralize the redness.

Clothing: Strategic clothing choices can hide hickeys on the neck or arms. Consider wearing scarves, turtlenecks, or long-sleeved shirts until the hickey fades.

When to Seek Medical Attention

In  rare  cases,  a  hickey  might  warrant  a  visit  to  the  doctor.  Seek  medical  attention  if:

The hickey doesn’t start to fade within two weeks.

The area around the hickey becomes swollen, tender, or warm to the touch.

You experience fever or other symptoms along with the hickey.

Conclusion: Patience is Key

While  there’s  no  overnight  cure  for  a  hickey,  applying  cold  compresses,  aloe vera  gel,  and  practicing  patience  can  encourage  healing  and  speed  up  the  fading  process.  Remember,  prevention  is  always  ideal,  and  open communication  is  essential  in  any  relationship.  If  you  have  concerns  about  a  hickey  that  doesn’t  seem  to  be  healing  properly,  consult  a  doctor  for  diagnosis  and  treatment.

FAQs

Hickeys, those telltale reddish-purple marks, can be a source of embarrassment or amusement. Regardless of the reason, most people want them to fade quickly. This FAQ dives into the world of hickeys, explores how to get rid of them, and answers all those burning questions you might have stumbled upon on Youtube or through Google searches.

What exactly is a hickey?

A hickey, also known as a petechia, is a bruise caused by intense sucking or pressure on the skin. Broken capillaries near the skin’s surface cause the discoloration.

Ugh, I got a hickey! How can I get rid of it faster?

While there’s no magic cure, some methods might help speed up the healing process:

Cold Therapy: The classic remedy! Apply a cold compress, wrapped in a cloth, to the hickey for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day. The cold constricts blood vessels and reduces inflammation.

Warm Therapy: After the initial swelling subsides, try warm compresses. Heat improves circulation and may aid healing. Alternate between cold and warm compresses for optimal effect.

Are there any household items that can help?

Aloe Vera: This natural remedy might soothe the area and reduce inflammation. Apply fresh aloe vera gel directly to the hickey.

Vitamin K Cream: Vitamin K plays a role in clotting, and topical creams might help accelerate the healing process. However, consult a doctor before using, especially if you take blood thinners.

What about those massage techniques I saw on Youtube?

Gentle Massage: Once the swelling goes down, some recommend gentle massage towards the heart to promote blood flow. However, be very gentle to avoid further irritation.

Important things to remember:

Patience is key: Hickeys can take several days or even a week to fully fade.

Don’t pick or scratch: This can worsen the bruising and potentially lead to infection.

Concealer (as a last resort): If you absolutely need to cover the hickey, use a green color corrector followed by concealer that matches your skin tone. However, this is a temporary solution and won’t speed up healing.

Are there any situations where I should see a doctor?

If the hickey is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or doesn’t improve after a week or two, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions.

The takeaway?

Hickeys are harmless but can be unsightly. By applying cold therapy, using gentle massage techniques, and letting time take its course, you can get rid of those love marks faster. Remember, patience is key!

Bonus Tip: If you’re looking to prevent hickeys in the future, open communication with your partner is essential. Discuss boundaries and be gentle!

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