What Is Hickey?
A hickey is most commonly considered a mark or a bruise on a sensitive area like the neck. It occurs when a person sucks or does a light bite on another person’s skin. These occur due to the breakage of blood vessels under the skin. A bruise results from the spilling of blood from broken blood vessels below the skin due to the act of sucking or light bites.
A hickey does not pose any serious side effects. However, hickeys can make the skin a little tender. Hickeys usually appear as a patch of decolorization. When they first arise, these are typically pink, red, or purple colored patches. As the bruise heals, these patches may become blue-colored. Hickeys can develop anywhere on the body but are frequently located on the neck.
Are Hickeys Bad for You?
Hickeys are not considered to be a serious issue. They do not cause cancer or any health risks. It is formed when a person lightly bites or sucks an area of another person. This may lead to the breaking of blood vessels underneath. Some people may enjoy it, and some may experience it as painful.
The normal hickeys fade away within two weeks. Some may not fade and exhibit the following problems. These include:
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The bruise that may sting.
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If the other bruises occur far from the main hickey.
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If a lump occurs on a bruise.
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If sudden paralysis of the face occurs or when facial muscles get weakened.
When these signs and symptoms appear, it may be considered a blood disorder or clotting disorder. It was noticed that very rarely, a hickey may lead to a stroke. Hickeys near the jaw bones should be avoided.
Is a Hickey Harmful to the Skin?
The bruise or hickey caused may not be harmful except for the discoloration. The skin is not broken, but underneath, blood vessels are found to be broken. The skin may be tender or sore but does not cause any harm.
Whether Different Skin Types Influence How Long a Hickey Lasts?
Different skin types do not influence how long a hickey lasts. It does not depend on the skin type; it depends on how big and deep the hickey is.
How Long Hickeys Can Remain on the Neck?
Hickeys occur most commonly on the neck because the skin is soft and thin. Hickey may take a few days to two weeks to disappear from the neck. It again depends on the size of the hickey. Larger hickeys may take longer time than smaller ones.
How to Overcome Hickeys?
No treatment or therapy is available to make a hickey go away overnight, but some quick remedies can help them go away quickly.
These remedies include:
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Applying Warm Compresses: Applying warm compresses after 48 hours of the Hickey appearing was found to be more beneficial as it can accelerate healing. This can help remove red blood cells that have come out of blood vessels and entered into the skin. One can use a clean washcloth dampened in warm water directly on the bruise. Gentle massage with a heating pad or warm towel from the center of the hickey outward helps move the clotted blood away from the injured skin. Following this regime, several times a day throughout the hickey may be helpful.
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Cold Packs or Compresses: Cold packs and ice compresses, if given within 12 hours of having a hickey, clear it early. Cold compresses help control bleeding and reduce inflammation. They also make the skin less painful and sensitive. Applying ice cubes covered in a clean cloth over the bruise can also be a good option. A metallic object such as a small spoon or metal bowl in the freezer can also work as a cold compress on the first day after a new bruise.
In addition to the warm and cold compress methods, one can apply the following gels or creams to hickey to help speed the healing process:
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Arnica:Arnica has been found to help hickeys to heal fast. Arnica can help ease the pain, swelling, and bruising.
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Vitamin C: Vitamin C can produce collagen and improve immunity. The collagen produced helps increase the elasticity and strength of the skin. Applying vitamin C may help in the fast recovery of hickeys.
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Vitamin K: Vitamin K helps in the healing of bruises. Vitamin K functions well in the process of wound healing and blood clotting too.
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Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera gel can reduce infection associated with hickeys.
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Banana Peel: Banana peel can soothe the skin and thereby heal the hickey.
How Long Does a Hickey Need to Disappear?
Hickeys cannot be removed overnight. They require time for healing. It may take ten days to two weeks to disappear. A person's body tries to break down the blood bits below the skin and try to reabsorb them. The bruise initially becomes dark and changes color till it disappears.
Conclusion:
Hickey is not a serious issue but a mark formed on the sensitive skin. It need not be treated, as it heals on its own. Hickeys are formed in a few seconds, but they require longer to heal. Some remedies available may help overcome these in a shorter duration. Knowing about hickeys helps overcome it easily.
