Hickeys, also known as love bites or kiss marks, are a common physical occurrence that many people experience. These marks, caused by suction on the skin, are often a playful or intimate expression, but they can leave an unsightly bruise that can be hard to hide. While hickeys are generally harmless, they do raise a lot of questions, especially when it comes to their duration and the best ways to treat them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how long do hickeys last, why they occur, and the most effective methods for treating and reducing their appearance.
What is a Hickey?
A hickey occurs when a person’s skin is sucked or bitten, causing the small blood vessels under the skin (capillaries) to burst. This results in a bruise that ranges in color from red to purple and, over time, can turn yellow or green as it heals. While most people associate hickeys with physical intimacy, they can also occur due to other forms of physical pressure on the skin.
Hickeys are typically harmless, but the mark left behind can be embarrassing or unwanted, especially if it’s in a visible area, such as the neck. Understanding how hickeys form and how long they last can help you better manage the situation when you find yourself with one.
How Long Do Hickeys Last?
The duration of a hickey depends on several factors, including the severity of the mark, the individual’s skin type, and the healing process. On average, a hickey lasts anywhere from 5 to 12 days. However, in some cases, they may take longer to heal.
- Mild Hickey: If the suction wasn’t too intense, the mark may only last for 2 to 3 days. This is more likely if the person has fair skin, which tends to bruise more easily.
- Moderate Hickey: A more significant hickey, with visible swelling or more extensive bruising, could last up to 7 days.
- Severe Hickey: If the suction was especially forceful or the blood vessels broke more deeply, it may take 10 to 12 days to completely fade.
Factors like your health, hydration level, and age can influence the healing process as well. For example, younger people may notice that their skin heals faster than older individuals, and those with higher blood circulation may see a quicker resolution of their bruises.
What Causes a Hickey?
Hickeys are caused when a person’s lips or teeth apply enough suction to the skin, breaking small capillaries beneath the surface. These capillaries are very delicate and can burst under pressure, causing blood to leak out and pool in the surrounding tissue. The blood that collects under the skin leads to the discoloration of the area, resulting in the classic bruise-like appearance of a hickey.
While the most common way to get a hickey is through kissing or sucking, any form of direct, intense pressure on the skin can cause a similar mark. For example, a rough massage or applying pressure to the skin for a prolonged period could also lead to a hickey.
Why Do Some People Get More Noticeable Hickeys?
The visibility and intensity of a hickey can vary based on several factors:
- Skin Tone and Sensitivity: People with lighter skin are more prone to showing visible marks and bruising. Darker skin tones may have a harder time seeing the hickey, though it still exists beneath the skin.
- Circulation: Individuals with better blood circulation may experience a faster recovery from a hickey, while those with poor circulation might see a longer-lasting mark.
- Amount of Pressure: The harder the suction or pressure applied to the skin, the more likely it is that a visible hickey will form.
- Health and Lifestyle: People who are healthier or more hydrated might see their hickeys heal faster due to better circulation and skin elasticity.
How to Treat a Hickey: Effective Remedies
While there’s no instant way to remove a hickey, there are several strategies to reduce its visibility and speed up the healing process.
1. Cold Compress
Using a cold compress is one of the most common remedies for a fresh hickey. Applying cold to the area can help reduce swelling and limit the blood flow to the affected area, which may minimize the bruise’s appearance.
How to Use:
- Wrap ice cubes or a cold pack in a clean cloth.
- Apply it to the hickey for 10 to 20 minutes, several times a day, within the first 24 hours of the injury.
Cold therapy is most effective when applied immediately after getting the hickey, as it helps reduce inflammation and prevent further blood leakage.
2. Warm Compress
After the first 48 hours, switching to a warm compress can help increase blood flow to the area and promote faster healing. The increased circulation can help your body reabsorb the blood pooled under the skin more quickly.
How to Use:
- Apply a warm compress (a warm towel or heating pad) to the hickey for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, 2 to 3 times a day.
Be cautious not to apply heat too early, as it may worsen the bruise by encouraging blood flow too soon after the injury.
3. Massage the Area
Gentle massage can help disperse the blood that has pooled under the skin and reduce the appearance of the hickey. The massage should be light and careful not to aggravate the bruise further.
How to Massage:
- Use your fingers to lightly massage the hickey in circular motions.
- Apply only mild pressure to avoid causing further damage to the capillaries.
Note that this technique is best used after the first few days when the hickey is not as tender.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its soothing properties and can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Applying aloe vera gel to a hickey may also provide some cooling relief from any discomfort.
How to Use:
- Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel to the hickey and gently massage it into the skin.
- Leave it on for about 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.
Aloe vera can help speed up healing and may also prevent any irritation around the hickey.
5. Vitamin K Cream
Vitamin K is known to play a role in blood clotting and may be helpful for treating bruises, including hickeys. Applying a cream containing vitamin K may assist your body in reabsorbing the blood under the skin more quickly.
How to Use:
- Apply a thin layer of vitamin K cream to the hickey and gently massage it in.
- Use this remedy 2 to 3 times a day for optimal results.
6. Over-the-Counter Creams and Pain Relievers
If your hickey is causing discomfort or swelling, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory creams or pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) can help reduce the swelling and ease the pain. While these won’t make the hickey disappear, they can provide temporary relief.
How to Use:
- Follow the instructions on the medication packaging for safe and effective use.
- Be sure to avoid applying creams with harsh chemicals to the area that might irritate the skin.
Preventing Future Hickeys
While hickeys are often a result of spontaneous physical affection, there are ways to minimize their occurrence:
- Be Gentle: If you want to avoid hickeys altogether, focus on gentler kissing or physical contact that doesn’t put excessive pressure on the skin.
- Communicate with Your Partner: If you’re aware of the possibility of getting a hickey, discuss it with your partner beforehand so you can avoid it if desired.
- Cover Up: If you do get a hickey and need to hide it, wearing a scarf, turtleneck, or even using makeup to conceal it can help in the meantime.
Conclusion
Hickeys are generally harmless, though they can be a source of embarrassment depending on the location and severity of the mark. While they can last anywhere from a few days to over a week, the treatment options discussed can help reduce their visibility and speed up the healing process. By understanding how hickeys form and knowing how to treat them, you can manage their appearance and minimize any discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with a minor love bite or a more noticeable bruise, these tips and tricks should help you regain your confidence and restore your skin to its normal state.
