How To Get Rid Of A Hickey: Effective Remedies And Fast Solutions
Explore proven remedies and expert tips to fade hickeys quickly, reduce embarrassment, and promote skin healing.
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Often known as a love bite or kiss mark, a hickey can be both a mark of affection and an awkward inconvenience. This article covers everything you need to know about hickeys, from what causes them to the fastest and most reliable ways to speed up their healing and effectively cover them up until they fade.
What Is a Hickey?
A hickey is essentially a bruise that forms when small blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin are broken due to suction or biting, causing blood to leak out and pool beneath the surface. This leads to a visible reddish or purplish mark that may last several days to weeks, depending on severity and care.
How Long Does a Hickey Typically Last?
Most hickeys will heal on their own in 3 to 14 days. The duration can vary based on the individual’s skin type, the intensity of the bruise, and how quickly the body heals. Prompt care may help fade a hickey a little faster, but there’s no guaranteed overnight fix.
Fast-Acting Remedies To Get Rid Of A Hickey
While no solution can make a hickey disappear instantly, the following methods are supported by dermatologists and commonly used to reduce their intensity and speed up healing:
1. Cold Compress
- Apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to the hickey for 10-20 minutes at a time during the first 12–24 hours.
- The cold constricts blood vessels, helping to minimize bleeding under the skin and reduce swelling and discoloration.
- A frozen spoon or a metal object kept in the freezer also works in an emergency.
2. Warm Compress
- After the initial 24–48 hours, apply a warm compress (such as a towel soaked in warm water or a heating pad) to the area two to three times daily.
- Warmth increases blood circulation, which can help disperse the pooled blood and encourage faster fading of the bruise.
3. Gentle Massage
- Gently massage the hickey after a day or two, using soft, circular motions.
- This can help move the clotted blood away from the injury and promote absorption by the body.
- Be careful not to press too hard, as this could worsen the mark.
4. Aloe Vera Gel
- Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Apply pure aloe vera gel to the hickey twice daily to moisturize the skin and potentially help the bruise fade faster.
5. Arnica Cream
- Arnica, an herb, is used to reduce inflammation and bruising.
- Apply arnica gel or cream to the affected area according to package instructions for potential improvement in bruise healing.
6. Vitamin K Cream
- Vitamin K supports healthy blood clotting and can help reduce the appearance of bruises.
- Apply a cream containing vitamin K directly to the hickey once or twice daily.
7. Vitamin C Cream or Serum
- Vitamin C aids collagen production and can help repair damaged skin.
- Topical vitamin C cream may help the skin heal and lighten the mark.
8. Banana Peel
- Rub the inside of a banana peel gently on the hickey for 15–20 minutes.
- Banana peels are believed to have cooling and soothing effects that may help bruising.
9. Peppermint Oil
- Apply a diluted form of peppermint oil on the affected area.
- The tingling sensation increases blood flow, but do a patch test first to avoid irritation.
10. Cocoa Butter
- Massage a small amount of cocoa butter into the hickey several times a day to nourish the skin, support healing, and possibly reduce scarring.
11. Toothbrush or Comb Technique
- Gently rub the hickey with a soft-bristled toothbrush or a clean comb in a circular motion for 5–10 minutes.
- This may help disperse the pooled blood, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent further injury.
12. Pineapple or Papaya
- These fruits contain the enzymes bromelain and papain, which may help reduce bruising.
- Apply a small amount of fresh pineapple or papaya to the hickey, leave for a few minutes, then rinse.
13. Witch Hazel
- Witch hazel is a natural astringent that can help reduce inflammation.
- Use a cotton pad to dab the area with witch hazel two or three times a day.
14. Apply Over-the-counter Treatments
- Products designed for bruises—often containing arnica, vitamin K, or heparin—may help diminish the appearance of a hickey.
Quick Methods to Hide a Hickey
Since hickeys cannot usually be eliminated instantly, disguising them can be helpful, especially if you need to head out in public, to work, or any place you’d rather keep your private life private.
- Makeup: Apply a concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone over the hickey to blend it in. Using a green-tinted concealer beforehand can help counteract redness or purple hues.
- Clothing: Scarves, turtlenecks, collared shirts, or even bandages can provide a practical cover.
- Hair Styles: Depending on the location, you might use longer hair to your advantage.
What Not To Do
Many viral remedies claim to banish hickeys overnight, but dermatologists warn that some methods could cause more harm than good. Avoid the following:
- Scraping with coins or toothbrushes aggressively can damage or break the skin, leading to infection.
- Applying toothpaste, vinegar, or harsh chemicals—these irritate sensitive skin and provide no proven benefit.
- Attempting to puncture or suck the area further can worsen bruising and increase your risk of infection.
Table of Remedies & Effectiveness
| Remedy | When to Use | Purpose | Risks/Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold compress | First 12–24 hours | Reduces bleeding, swelling | Avoid direct contact with ice – wrap in cloth |
| Warm compress | After 24–48 hours | Promotes circulation, healing | Don’t overheat, avoid burns |
| Arnica/Vitamin K cream | After bruising appears | Reduce inflammation, speed healing | Patch test for allergies |
| Aloe vera/Banana peel | Anytime after | Soothes skin, may aid healing | Minimal; test for sensitivity |
| Makeup/concealer | Anytime, for coverage | Conceals the mark | Remove before sleep |
How To Prevent Hickeys
- The most reliable way to avoid a hickey is to gently communicate with your partner about boundaries.
- If you’re prone to bruising, be particularly gentle during intimate moments.
Healing Timeline: What To Expect
- Days 1–2: The hickey appears red, purple, or blue and is most visible. Swelling and tenderness may be present.
- Days 3–5: Begins turning lighter in color (greenish or yellowish) as the bruise heals.
- Days 6–14: The mark continues to fade. Most hickeys are gone or barely visible by two weeks.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- If the bruise does not improve within two weeks, get larger, or appears with severe pain and swelling.
- Development of multiple unexplained bruises elsewhere on the body can indicate a blood clotting or other health problem.
- Any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can a hickey be removed overnight?
No remedy can remove a hickey overnight. While some treatments may reduce swelling and speed up healing, time is the primary healer. Most marks fade within 1–2 weeks, depending on the severity and aftercare given.
Q: Are hickeys dangerous for your health?
Typically, hickeys are harmless and heal on their own. However, in rare cases, excessive suction can cause more significant bruising or even clotting issues in individuals with certain pre-existing conditions. Seek medical attention if you notice extreme pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms.
Q: Does rubbing a hickey help or worsen it?
Gently massaging a healed hickey can improve circulation and help clear trapped blood. However, aggressive rubbing—especially with hard objects or on fresh bruises—can worsen the injury and prolong healing. Always be gentle.
Q: What is the best way to cover a hickey?
The most effective way to conceal a hickey is to use makeup, specifically a concealer or foundation that matches your skin tone. Green-tinted concealers can neutralize red or purple hues for a better blend. Clothing, scarves, and high collars can also offer temporary coverage.
Q: Do over-the-counter creams really work?
Arnica, vitamin K, and some other over-the-counter creams may help reduce bruising and speed up the natural healing process. Their effectiveness varies from person to person, so results may not be immediate or dramatic.
Q: Can toothpaste or coins help remove a hickey?
There is no scientific evidence that toothpaste or scraping with coins can remove a hickey. In fact, these methods can irritate or damage your skin. Always opt for gentle remedies.
Bottom Line
While a hickey can be embarrassing, it is generally harmless and will pass with time. Using proven remedies such as cold compresses, warm packs, gentle massage, and topical solutions can help speed up healing. If you need to go out in public or to work, clever makeup and clothing can keep things under wraps until your skin is back to normal.
References
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