Hickey

What is a Hickey?

A hickey is a bruise caused by someone sucking or nibbling on the skin. It can appear anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the neck.

Similar to any other bruise, a hickey forms when blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken, causing a small amount of blood to leak into the tissues just below the skin.

As it heals, the hickey may change color, progressing through shades of blue, purple, red, and greenish-yellow.

Treating and Covering Up a Hickey

The only way to get rid of a hickey, or any bruise, is through time and patience. However, there are some tips to help with the healing process:

• Apply an ice or cold pack immediately to reduce pain and swelling. Repeat this treatment several times daily for 10 to 20 minutes each session. A frozen spoon can be a convenient alternative if you don’t have an ice pack.
• For the first 48 hours after getting the hickey, avoid activities that may increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
• Protect the area from further trauma.
• Gently massage the hickey to increase blood flow and relieve pain, being cautious not to rub the area if it hurts too much.

While waiting for the hickey to heal, there are various cover-up options to consider, such as makeup, hairstyles, shirt collars, and scarves. Additionally, discussing prevention methods with your partner can be beneficial.