What Is A Hickey? What Causes It?
Hickeys are temporary marks that appear on an individual’s skin as a result of being sucked hard or bitten. A hickey occurs when the tiny blood vessels below the skin surface burst and leak in the surrounding tissues. They can occur almost anywhere on the body. The affected skin usually looks decolorized and may be tender to touch. You may also notice pink, red, or purplish patches on the site of the hickey. As the lesion heals, you will see it turning a dark shade of blue.
How Long Do Hickeys Last?
These stubborn bruises may take anywhere between a few days to even weeks to heal completely. Unfortunately, if the hickey happens to be anywhere around the neck, it might make things awkward for you at work. But worry not – we have listed below certain natural remedies that help heal hickeys. While there is no instant fix for a hickey, these remedies may accelerate healing.
13 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of A Hickey
1. Cold Compress
It is believed that applying a cold compress to a swollen area may reduce the swelling. The cool temperature may help in slowing down the blood flow from the blood vessel to the skin (1). Applying a cold spoon or ice to the hickey may help in shrinking its appearance. However, this procedure is more likely to be effective when used as soon as the hickey appears.
A cold spoon or ice
Take a spoon and refrigerate it for 30 minutes. Apply the cold spoon to the affected area. Stroke the hickey slightly using the spoon for a few minutes. Alternately, stroke a cube of ice on the hickey for a few minutes.
You may do this 2-3 times daily.
2. Warm Compress
Applying a heat compress to the hickey two days after its appearance may help in speeding up the healing process. Using a heat compress may promote blood circulation to the affected area (1). This may help relieve hickey a lot sooner. Note: A cold compress is helpful when the lesion is fresh to minimize its spread. A hot compress helps once it has settled to accelerate recovery.
A warm compress
Apply a warm compress to the affected area. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes and remove it.
You can do this 2-3 times daily.
3. Massage
Anecdotal evidence suggests that massages may reduce pain and stimulate blood flow, accelerating the healing process. However, a light massage on the affected area is advised. Excess pressure may make the hickey worse.
An essential oil
Take 2-3 drops of the essential oil in your palm. Massage the bruised area lightly without applying too much pressure.
Twice a day
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera possesses anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties (2). Hence, the topical application of aloe vera may help heal hickeys.
An aloe leaf
Extract the gel from the aloe leaf. Mash the gel with a spoon and apply it to the hickey. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes and then rinse it off.
You may do this 2 times daily.
5. Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter contains phytocompounds that impart anti-inflammatory and skin-protective effects (3). These properties may help relieve hickeys.
Organic cocoa butter (as required)
Take a little cocoa butter on your fingers. Apply it to the affected area. Massage it in gently.
You can do this multiple times daily for faster results.
6. Arnica
Arnica is a botanical extract rich in antioxidants (4). It is widely used for healing bruises and swelling (5). Hence, topical or oral use of arnica may help in reducing the appearance of a hickey.
Arnica (in the form of an over-the-counter topical cream)
Apply the topical ointment to the affected area. Alternately, you can also take arnica orally in the form of homeopathy medicine.
If you are using the cream, apply it in the suggested quantities and frequencies. Consult a healthcare provider if you are going for the homeopathy medication.
7. Banana Peel Mask
Banana peel exhibits antimicrobial activity, which may prevent infection in the affected area (6). It is a popular remedy for warts, rashes, and bruises (7). It also may help heal a hickey.
A fresh banana peel
Rub the peel over the hickey for 5-10 minutes or simply place it over the affected area for 20 minutes. Repeat this 2-3 times a day.
8. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus and olive oils have wound-healing properties (8). These could help treat hickeys.
2-3 drops of eucalyptus oil 1 teaspoon of olive oil
Add two to three drops of eucalyptus oil to a teaspoon of olive oil. Mix well and apply it to the affected area. Leave it on until it dries.
You can do this 2-3 times daily.
9. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is known to increase blood flow in the human body (9). Hence, it may help in reducing the size and severity of a hickey.
Peppermint essential oil Carrier oil (coconut or olive oil)
Take 1-2 drops of peppermint oil. Add 10-12 drops of the carrier oil. Apply the oil mixture to the affected area and massage for 5-10 minutes.
You can do this once a day. Note – Always do a patch test before applying the oils.
10. Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple. It is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties (10). Topical application of bromelain may reduce the development of bruises. It may help heal hickeys as well.
Bromelain cream
Apply the cream on the affected area.
Do this twice a day.
11. Orange Juice
Orange is replete with vitamin C. The nutrient may help treat bruises (11). It may help in the treatment of hickeys, though research is limited.
Oranges
Remove the pulp of the orange. Use a mixer to make its juice. Drink the juice.
Do this twice a day.
12. Vitamin K Cream
Vitamin K is known for its blood-clotting process in the human body (12). It is believed that the topical application of vitamin K cream may help heal hickeys. However, research is limited in this regard.
Vitamin K cream
Apply an ample amount of vitamin K cream to your hickey. Alternately, you may take vitamin K supplements or foods rich in vitamin K, including leafy greens or brown rice.
You may do this 1-2 times daily.
13. Aspirin
Aspirin aids in pain relief. It also has blood-thinning effects (13). Using aspirin may increase blood circulation in the affected area and speed up the recovery. However, it is important to take aspirin 24 hours after getting a hickey.
Aspirin tablets
Take the tablet regularly, as advised by your doctor.
Do this once a day. These remedies may help reduce the appearance of a hickey. However, not all of them have been validated by science. You may also want to consult your doctor before using certain medications and creams. Also, if you have had a hickey for longer than a couple of days, the remedies could take longer than usual to show their effectiveness. Although there is no instant fix for a hickey, some tips may come in handy when you need to hide it for a few hours.
How To Hide A Hickey
To cover a hickey on the neck, wear a high-collar top. This will also cover the marks on the visible areas of your body, including your chest. Accessorize your clothing with a shawl or scarf to cover the bruise. If you have long hair, cover the hickey with it. You may use makeup to cover a hickey. Use a green/purple corrector, concealer, and a foundation to cover the hickey using makeup. Make sure the concealer and foundation match your skin tone.
There are certain remedies you must not follow. Though these are popular, these are not effective – and may instead make your condition worse.
Home Remedies That You Should Avoid
Rubbing with a coin – Pressing a coin on a hickey may replicate a massage. However, it will involve intense pressure, which will make the hickey worse. Rubbing with a lip balm cap – Another popular method is massaging with a lip balm cap. However, there is no evidence that this method could be effective on a hickey. Massaging with a toothpaste – Some believe massaging with a toothpaste can help. However, there is no evidence in this regard.
How can I make a hickey disappear ASAP? There is no way you can make a hickey disappear magically. You have to follow various remedies and give it time to fade away. How can I cover up a hickey? From using makeup to wearing a high collared shirt, various ways can help you cover up your hickey. Is a hickey painful? Hickeys may feel sore for a day, and there may be a little bit of swelling. But they heal in a week or two and should not be painful. Can hickeys cause health problems? No, hickeys generally do not cause any serious problems. But they do run the slight risk of causing blood clots and strokes in some people.
