What is a Hickey?
A hickey, also known as a love bite or a kiss mark, is a bruise caused by aggressive kissing or sucking on the skin. It occurs when the capillaries beneath the skin’s surface break, resulting in blood pooling and forming a discoloration.
Home Remedies to Remove Hickeys
While hickeys typically fade on their own within a week or two, if you’re looking to eliminate them quickly, here are some home remedies you can try:
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the hickey can help constrict the blood vessels, reducing the appearance of the bruise. Wrap some ice cubes in a cloth and gently press it against the hickey for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Warm Compress: After 48 hours, a warm compress can help improve blood circulation and speed up the healing process. Dip a washcloth in warm water and apply it to the hickey for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Arnica Cream: Arnica cream contains anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling and promote healing. Gently apply a thin layer of arnica cream to the hickey and massage it into the skin.
- Peppermint Oil: Peppermint oil acts as a vasodilator, helping to improve blood flow and reduce the appearance of hickeys. Dilute a few drops of peppermint oil in a carrier oil and apply it to the hickey two to three times a day.
- Toothbrush Technique: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush, gently massage the hickey in a circular motion to break up the clotted blood and stimulate circulation. Be gentle to avoid further irritation.
Preventing Hickeys
Avoiding hickeys altogether is the best way to prevent having to remove them. However, if you find them hard to resist, here are a few tips to minimize their occurrence:
- Communicate: Talk to your partner about what level of intensity is comfortable for each of you to avoid unintentional hickeys.
- Covering Up: If you want to prevent visible hickeys, consider wearing a scarf or clothing that covers your neck.
- Taking Breaks: Taking frequent breaks during intense kissing sessions can help prevent excessive suction and reduce the chances of getting a hickey.
Remember, hickeys are temporary and usually harmless. Nevertheless, these remedies can help expedite the healing process and provide you with quick relief. Give them a try and say goodbye to those pesky hickeys!