How Long Do Hickeys Take To Go Away? A Complete Guide
A hickey, also known as a love bite, is a bruise caused by sucking or kissing someone's skin. The discoloration comes from broken blood vessels under the skin's surface. While a fun mark of affection for some, others are less thrilled with the tell-tale sign, leaving many wondering: how long do hickeys take to go away? The answer, unfortunately, isn't a simple one. It depends on several factors.
Factors Affecting Hickey Healing Time
Several factors influence how quickly a hickey fades:
Severity of the Suction:
A gentle kiss might leave only a slight redness that disappears within hours. However, a more vigorous suction will cause more extensive blood vessel damage, resulting in a darker, larger, and longer-lasting mark. This is the most significant factor determining healing time.
Individual Healing Process:
Just like any bruise, healing time varies from person to person. Some individuals have a naturally faster healing process than others. Genetics and overall health play a crucial role.
Location of the Hickey:
Hickeys on thinner-skinned areas like the neck tend to be more visible and may take slightly longer to heal than those on areas with thicker skin.
Treatment Applied:
Applying cold compresses immediately after the hickey appears can help reduce swelling and inflammation, potentially speeding up the healing process. Certain over-the-counter treatments might also help (more on that later).
How Long Can You Expect to Wait?
While there's no magic number, here's a general timeframe:
- Light Hickeys (minor redness): These often fade within a few hours to a day.
- Moderate Hickeys (light bruising): These usually disappear within a week.
- Severe Hickeys (dark bruising): These can take up to two weeks or even longer to fully disappear. In some extreme cases, it can take up to three weeks.
Speeding Up the Healing Process: Home Remedies
While you can't magically erase a hickey overnight, several home remedies can help minimize its appearance and speed up healing:
Cold Compresses:
Applying a cold compress (ice pack wrapped in a cloth) to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Warm Compresses (after initial swelling):
Once the initial swelling subsides (after a day or two), warm compresses can improve blood circulation, helping the bruise fade faster.
Massage:
Gently massaging the area can also help to break up the clotted blood and promote healing. Be gentle; don't exacerbate the bruise.
Arnica:
Arnica cream or gel, a natural remedy with anti-inflammatory properties, can be applied to the affected area. Always follow product instructions.
Disclaimer: These are home remedies and may not work for everyone. If you have concerns or the hickey doesn't improve, consult a doctor.
Hiding a Hickey: Makeup and Clothing
While you wait for your hickey to heal, consider these temporary solutions:
- Makeup: Concealer can effectively cover a hickey, especially if it's in a visible location.
- Clothing: Scarves, turtlenecks, or high-collared shirts can help conceal a hickey on the neck.
Key Takeaways
The duration it takes for a hickey to disappear depends on several variables. While some fade quickly, others might take a couple of weeks. Home remedies can help speed up the healing process, and makeup or clothing can provide temporary concealment. Patience is key!
