How Long Does It Take a Hickey to Go Away?
A hickey, also known as a love bite, is a bruise caused by sucking or kissing the skin. The discoloration comes from broken blood vessels under the skin's surface. So, how long does it take for this embarrassing mark to disappear? 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 a faint redness, while more forceful suction creates a larger, darker bruise. More severe hickeys take longer to heal.
-
Individual Healing Process: Just like any other bruise, healing time varies from person to person. Some individuals heal faster than others due to differences in blood circulation and metabolism.
-
Location of the Hickey: Hickies on areas with thinner skin, like the neck, might heal faster than those on areas with thicker skin.
-
Aftercare: While there's no magic cure, certain aftercare practices can speed up the healing process. (More on this later!)
Typical Healing Timeline
While there's no exact timeframe, here's a general guide:
-
A few days: Mild hickeys, appearing as slight redness, might fade within a few days.
-
One to two weeks: Most hickeys will significantly lighten or disappear within one to two weeks.
-
Two to three weeks (or longer): Severe hickeys, appearing dark purple or black, can take up to two to three weeks, or even longer, to completely fade.
How to Make a Hickey Fade Faster
While you can't magically erase a hickey, you can take steps to reduce its appearance and speed up healing:
1. Cold Compress:
Applying a cold compress (ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth) to the area immediately after the hickey appears can help constrict blood vessels, minimizing bruising. Apply for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
2. Warm Compresses (Later):
Once the initial swelling subsides (after a day or two), warm compresses can help increase blood flow and promote healing.
3. Gentle Massage:
Gently massaging the area can help break up the blood clots under the skin, aiding in faster healing. Be very gentle to avoid further irritation.
4. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief:
Pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with the bruise. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
5. Arnica Cream:
Some people find that arnica cream, a homeopathic remedy, can help reduce bruising and inflammation.
6. Avoid Picking or Scratching:
Resist the urge to pick or scratch the hickey, as this can worsen the discoloration and potentially lead to infection.
When to See a Doctor
While hickeys are typically harmless, consult a doctor if:
- The hickey is excessively painful.
- The area becomes infected (showing signs of pus, increased pain, redness, swelling).
- You develop a fever.
Key Takeaways
The time it takes for a hickey to disappear is variable, depending on several factors. While there's no quick fix, cold compresses, gentle massage, and other aftercare strategies can help minimize its appearance and speed up healing. Remember to always consult a doctor if you have concerns.
