A hickey, often referred to as a love bite, is essentially a bruise on the skin caused by intense kissing or suction. While the neck is a frequently targeted area due to its accessibility and sensitivity, hickeys can appear on any part of the body where skin is gently sucked or bitten.
When someone creates suction and pressure on the skin – typically through kissing, sucking, or biting – they are applying force strong enough to rupture small blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface. These tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, break and leak blood into the surrounding tissues.
What Does a Hickey Look Like?
The blood that escapes from these broken capillaries accumulates under the skin, leading to the characteristic dark mark of a hickey. Initially, a hickey often appears as a red mark, which then darkens to a purple or dark red color, similar to a typical bruise. As the body begins to heal and reabsorb the leaked blood, the hickey will gradually change color, transitioning through shades of blue, green, and yellow before eventually fading away. This color change process is the same as what occurs with any bruise as it heals.
How to Care for a Hickey
If you’re looking to speed up the healing process or reduce the appearance of a hickey, there are a few methods you can try. The approach often depends on whether the hickey is fresh or has been there for a day or two.
For a newly formed hickey, especially if there’s any swelling or tenderness, applying a cold compress can be beneficial. In the first 24 to 48 hours after you get a hickey, use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or towel. Apply this to the affected area for about 15 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the bruised area and minimizing swelling and inflammation.
After the initial day or two, or if the hickey isn’t swollen, switching to a warm compress can be more effective. Applying warmth to the area can help to increase blood circulation. Increased blood flow encourages the body to reabsorb the blood that pooled under the skin, which can help the hickey fade faster. You can use a warm compress several times a day, for about 15-20 minutes each time.
For any discomfort or tenderness associated with the hickey, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief.
In some cases, laser treatments have been suggested as a way to expedite the fading of a hickey, particularly if addressed within the first day or two. If you are interested in this option, consulting with a dermatologist or doctor can provide more information on its effectiveness and suitability for you.
Effective Ways to Hide a Hickey
Hickeys are often quite noticeable and can sometimes lead to unwanted attention or questions. If you prefer to keep your hickey discreet, here are several ways to effectively conceal it:
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Makeup Concealer: Makeup is a highly effective method for covering up a hickey. The key is to use color-correcting techniques based on the hickey’s color. For a fresh, reddish hickey, a green-toned concealer can neutralize the redness. As the hickey turns purplish or bluish, a yellow or peach-toned concealer works well to counteract these cooler tones. For darker skin tones, hickeys may appear purple, dark brown, or even black, and a deeper, warmer toned concealer might be necessary. Apply the concealer gently, blending the edges for a natural look, and set it with powder for longer wear.
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Bandages: A simple bandage is a straightforward solution. Choose a bandage large enough to completely cover the hickey. While this is a quick fix, it might draw some curiosity as people may wonder why you’re wearing a bandage on your neck or other visible area.
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Clothing with High Necklines: In cooler weather, clothing options like turtlenecks and sweaters are ideal for concealing neck hickeys. These garments naturally cover the neck area, making it effortless to hide the mark.
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Scarves and Wraps: Scarves are versatile accessories that can be worn in various styles and are excellent for covering hickeys, especially on the neck. They can be adapted to different outfits and weather conditions, making them a fashionable and functional cover-up.
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Collared Shirts and Jackets: Wearing collared shirts or jackets can also effectively hide a hickey. By wearing the collar up or styling the shirt appropriately, you can easily keep the hickey out of sight.
Choosing the best method to hide a hickey often depends on the location of the hickey, the weather, your personal style, and the level of discretion you desire.
