A hickey, also known as a love bite or kiss mark, is a temporary bruise caused by sucking or aggressively kissing the skin, usually on the neck. Hickeys are initially red, but they soon turn purple, black or brownish as the blood underneath begins to clot and break down. Most hickeys fade away on their own within 1-2 weeks, but some can last longer.
What causes a hickey?
Hickeys form when the tiny blood vessels under the surface of the skin are broken, usually by sucking or aggressively biting on soft skin. When these capillaries are damaged, blood leaks into the surrounding tissues. The leaked blood collects near the surface of the skin and causes a bruise-like discoloration.
Hickeys are often seen as a mark of intimacy and passion. They tend to occur during passionate kissing sessions, especially on soft, delicate areas like the neck. Some people even give hickeys on purpose during foreplay or sex.
Why do some hickeys last longer?
Most hickeys fade in a week or two as the body reabsorbs the leaked blood. But occasionally, a hickey bruise can last for many weeks or months. There are a few reasons why this might happen:
- Size of the hickey – Larger hickeys tend to last longer because more capillaries were broken and more blood was released.
- Location of the hickey – Hickeys on the neck can last longer because there is constant movement and tension in the neck area that might delay healing.
- Your age – Older skin tends to heal more slowly than young, healthy skin. Hickeys may persist longer on older adults.
- Your skin tone – On darker skin tones, hickeys tend to look darker and more noticeable. This is because melanin pigment causes skin discoloration to stand out more.
- Bleeding disorders – Any conditions that affect clotting, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, can also cause hickeys to last longer.
- Medications – Blood-thinning medications like aspirin, anticoagulants and anti-inflammatory drugs can prolong bleeding and delay hickey healing.
What problems can a lasting hickey cause?
Although hickeys are harmless, a hickey that persists can sometimes lead to:
- Embarrassment or awkward questions – Some people see hickeys as embarrassing or unprofessional if visible in the workplace or in public.
- Relationship problems – Lingering hickeys can raise relationship issues if a partner perceives it as a mark of cheating.
- Painful swelling – Occasionally, a hickey causes a blood clot or swollen lymph node that feels tender or painful when touched.
- Bacterial infection – Breaks in the skin make it easier for bacteria to enter, which could cause a minor skin infection.
How to get rid of a hickey fast
If you have a special event coming up and want to speed up the healing of a hickey, here are some remedies that may help:
Cold compress
Applying something cold can help minimize bleeding and swelling. Try wrapping an ice pack or bag of frozen veggies in a towel and holding it to the hickey for about 20 minutes several times a day.
Hot compress
After the first 1-2 days, switch to a warm compress. The heat will help improve blood flow and speed up healing. Soak a towel in hot water, wring it out and apply it to the hickey for about 20 minutes 2-3 times a day.
Gentle massage
Use your fingers to gently massage the area around the hickey. This helps break up the blood clots and spread out the swelling. Try making small circles outward from the hickey 2-3 times a day.
OTC ointments
Applying a cream containing vitamin K or arnica may reduce bruising and swelling. Gently rub it onto the hickey 2-3 times a day. You can also try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams containing ingredients like aloe vera or hydrocortisone.
Peppermint
The cooling sensation of peppermint oil can soothe tender skin and improve blood flow. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil and dab it onto the hickey 2-3 times daily.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that may help repair damaged skin cells. Brew a strong cup of green tea, allow it to cool and then soak a cotton ball in the tea. Apply it onto the hickey for 10-20 minutes.
Aloe vera
Pure aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties that can promote healing. Gently massage some aloe vera over the hickey 2-3 times a day.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports new skin cell growth. Take a daily vitamin C supplement to speed up skin cell regeneration. You can also drink citrus juices or apply an orange slice directly to the skin.
Warm spoon
Placing a warm metal spoon onto the hickey can help disperse the blood clot near the surface. Gently rub a warmed spoon back and forth over the hickey for about 10 minutes, 2-3 times daily.
Medical treatments
If home remedies aren’t working and the hickey is taking weeks or months to fade, your doctor may suggest:
Steroid injections –
Injecting a diluted corticosteroid into the hickey can help reduce inflammation. However, this comes with risks like skin atrophy, so it should be done cautiously under medical supervision.
Medicinal creams –
Prescription creams containing vitamin K, retinol or hydroquinone could potentially speed up skin healing and fading of the hickey bruise.
Laser therapy –
A dermatologist may use pulsed dye laser therapy to break up the trapped blood and speed up healing. Several sessions are usually needed for optimal results.
Chemical peels –
Light chemical peels can remove the top layers of skin to help diminish the appearance of a hickey scar. Deeper peels carry risks so consult a dermatologist.
Dermabrasion –
This professional exfoliating treatment uses a rotating brush or abrasive wand to remove scarred surface skin layers. It requires local anesthesia and has potential side effects.
How to prevent hickeys from lasting
To avoid having a hickey that overstays its welcome, it’s best not to get one in the first place. But if passion strikes in the heat of the moment, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid excessive sucking or biting when kissing so that fewer capillaries are ruptured.
- Don’t kiss aggressively on bony areas where the skin is thinner and damage can occur more easily.
- Ice the area immediately after receiving a hickey to constrict blood vessels and minimize bleeding.
- Take an OTC pain medication to reduce swelling and tenderness.
- Keep the area clean to prevent bacterial infection and skin irritation.
- Avoid tightly wrapping necklaces or scarves around hickeys as they can increase swelling.
When to see a doctor
Consult your physician if:
- The hickey does not fade after 4 weeks.
- It becomes increasingly swollen, painful, warm or red.
- You notice pus, oozing or signs of skin infection.
- You develop a persistent fever, headache, rash or lightheadedness.
- You have a history of bleeding disorders and excessive bruising.
- You are taking blood thinning medications.
Rarely, a hickey causes a blood clot or abscess that requires drainage or excision. Seek prompt medical care if you have any concerning symptoms.
Conclusion
While hickeys are usually harmless, they can sometimes last for weeks or months before fading fully. Stubborn hickeys are often larger in size, located on the neck and seen in older individuals. While embarrassing, lasting hickeys are not dangerous in most cases. Home treatments like cold compresses, OTC ointments, herbal remedies and massage may help speed up healing. In rare instances, medical procedures are needed to remove persistent hickeys.
To prevent extended hickeys, refrain from aggressive sucking during intimacy and promptly ice the area. With time, even the most stubborn hickeys will eventually fade. But if a hickey causes excessive pain or changes, consult your doctor right away.