How Long Does A Hickey Last? Your Guide To Healing
How long does it take for a hickey to fade away, leaving no trace of its amorous origins? The answer, like the lingering flush of a stolen kiss, isn't as straightforward as one might hope, but understanding the process is the first step toward its eventual disappearance.
A hickey, that telltale sign of affection, is essentially a bruise. It's the result of broken blood vessels beneath the skin's surface, caused by suction or biting. This causes blood to pool, creating the characteristic discoloration. While often viewed with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement, hickeys are generally harmless, though their visibility can certainly be a cause for concern, especially when navigating the professional world or family gatherings.
The timeline for a hickey's departure is a subject of much speculation and home remedy experimentation. Generally, the unsightly mark will bid adieu within a week or two, a slow fade reflecting the body's natural healing processes. Smaller hickeys may vanish more quickly, while larger, more aggressively applied ones might linger longer, as their depth and size influence the healing time. While there's no magic wand to erase these love bites instantly, a few basic principles govern their lifespan and potential mitigation.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | A hickey is a bruise caused by broken blood vessels under the skin due to suction or biting. Also known as a love bite or kiss mark. |
| Cause | Pressure or suction causing small blood vessels (capillaries) to rupture and leak blood under the skin. |
| Location | Most commonly found on the neck due to the thin and soft skin. |
| Appearance | Initially reddish, then potentially changing colors as the bruise heals: purple, blue, green, and yellow. The specific color may vary based on skin tone. |
| Healing Time | Typically heals in about 7-12 days, but can range from 3 days to 2 weeks depending on the size and depth of the bruise and individual healing capabilities. |
| Treatment (First Aid) | Applying a cold compress or ice pack (with a cloth barrier) for 10-20 minutes several times a day for the first 48 hours. Avoid traumatic activities on the affected area. |
| Influence of Skin Type | Skin type does not influence the healing time, but the colors may appear differently on different skin tones. |
| Scarring | Hickeys generally do not leave scars. |
| Other Methods | Topical creams and other methods are available. However, they do not necessarily speed up the healing process. |
| Professional Advice | Consult a doctor if the hickey is accompanied by other health issues. |
For the first 48 hours following the "event," it's best to avoid any activity that might further traumatize the area. This means being cautious with anything that could increase blood flow or pressure on the neck, avoiding strenuous exercises or tight clothing around the area, and avoiding any more "love bites" to the area.
Many wonder about quick fixes. While there's no instant eraser, some methods might help. Cold compresses are a common recommendation, as the cold constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. Applying ice for 10-20 minutes several times a day in the first couple of days can be helpful. A cloth or towel should be used around the ice to avoid direct contact with the skin.
Over-the-counter remedies can also be helpful. Topical creams, such as those containing vitamin K, may assist in reducing bruising, but they should be applied per the product instructions. Some people suggest gently massaging the area to promote blood flow, although care should be taken not to exacerbate the damage. However, it's important to manage expectations: While these methods can help, they're not likely to cause the hickey to vanish overnight.
The color changes that a hickey undergoes are a visual representation of the body's healing process. Initially, it will be a reddish hue, reflecting the freshly leaked blood. Over days, it will likely change into a darker purple, then perhaps a blue or greenish shade as the blood begins to break down. Eventually, it will transition to yellow before disappearing. The exact colors and the speed of these changes will vary depending on the size and depth of the bruise, as well as the individual's skin tone and healing abilities.
As dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, notes, "Generally, a hickey will go away in about 7 to 12 days, but everyone's healing time is different." Factors like the depth of the bruise and the individual's circulation play a role. The skin on the neck, where hickeys frequently occur, is thin and delicate, which is why the marks often appear there more readily. Remember that skin type does not affect the hickey's lifespan, although it can influence the color's appearance. Lighter skin might display a more reddish or yellowish appearance, while darker skin may show dark red, purple, or black hues.
It is important to remember that there isn't one single, guaranteed method to rapidly erase a hickey. Time and the body's natural healing process are the most important factors. However, the methods listed above may help decrease the appearance of the bruise and provide some measure of comfort.
In the interest of brevity, here's a quick rundown of the hickey's journey:
- Days 1-3: The hickey is at its most vibrant, a deep red or purple, and most visible. Apply cold compresses to help reduce swelling.
- Days 4-7: The color starts to shift, becoming darker. Some remedies may be helpful, but patience is key.
- Days 7-14: The hickey fades, turning green or yellow as the body reabsorbs the blood. The discoloration gradually disappears.
While the methods mentioned can help, it is important to understand their limitations and the role of individual healing. It is always best to allow the body to heal naturally. Although hickeys aren't harmful, they may be embarrassing for some people. The ensuing hickey has long been associated with more juvenile or embarrassing intimate encounters, which is why most people would prefer to make it disappear.
When searching for quick solutions, remember the fundamentals. The most effective approach is to apply a cold compress as soon as possible. For the first couple of days when you have a hickey, ice the affected area a few times each day. Leave the ice on for 10 or 20 minutes at a time, using a cloth or towel around the ice pack to avoid direct contact. This may reduce the prominence of the bruise and any discomfort.
Some people try stretching the skin or scraping it with the edge of a coin, but these are not recommended as they may cause more damage to the skin. These are not generally safe or effective methods. As a final resort, makeup may be used to cover the hickey temporarily, but it should not be considered a solution.
In the grand scheme of things, a hickey is a temporary inconvenience. It's a testament to a moment of passion, a temporary souvenir of affection. And as the body works its wonders, it'll fade away, leaving only the memory of the event, with any need for the removal methods or emergency treatment.
