Hickey Guide: How To Get & Get Rid Of Them Fast!
Ever found yourself sporting a rather unwelcome souvenir on your neck, a testament to an amorous encounter? Fear not, for while hickeys might seem permanent at first glance, there are ways to expedite their departure.
A hickey, often referred to more delicately as a "love bite," is essentially a bruise. Sejal Shah, M.D., a New York City dermatologist, explains that like any bruise, a hickey forms when blood vessels near the skin's surface rupture. The suction from the lips creates a localized area of broken capillaries, causing blood to pool just beneath the skin. The resulting discoloration can range from a faint pink to a deep purple, depending on the intensity and duration of the suction, as well as the individual's skin tone and propensity to bruise. Factors like skin pigment also play a role, as some individuals are simply more prone to developing noticeable hickeys than others.
| Hickey: Anatomy of a Love Bite | |
|---|---|
| Term | Hickey, Love Bite, Kiss Mark |
| Mechanism | Rupture of blood capillaries under the skin due to suction. |
| Appearance | Discoloration ranging from pink to deep purple or black. |
| Common Locations | Neck, chest, sometimes other areas of the body. |
| Healing Time | Typically 1-2 weeks, depending on size and individual factors. |
| Primary Cause | Forceful sucking or biting during intimate encounters. |
| Associated Sensations | Mild tenderness or discomfort at the site of the hickey. |
| Prevention | Communicate and set boundaries during intimate activities. |
| Reference | WebMD - What is a Hickey? |
The good news is that hickeys, being bruises, are temporary. However, the speed at which they fade can vary. Depending on the size and intensity of the mark, the healing process typically takes anywhere from one to two weeks. Youll notice the discoloration gradually lighten and shrink as the body naturally reabsorbs the blood. If, however, a hickey persists for longer than two weeks without showing any signs of improvement, it's wise to consult a medical professional, just to ensure there isn't an underlying issue. Although rare, excessive pressure might, in extreme cases, cause a blood clot, making it a less than ideal outcome.
The creation of a hickey can be an intimate and playful act between consenting partners. It's essential to prioritize communication and establish clear boundaries before engaging in this activity. The ideal approach involves choosing a suitable area of the body, initiating with gentle pressure, and gradually increasing the intensity to match individual preferences. It's also important to remember that a proper hickey should be a pleasurable experience. If it causes excessive pain or any unwanted side effects, it is best to stop.
If you're looking to accelerate the fading process, here are some proven methods. The immediate application of a cool compress is a simple yet effective strategy. Applying a cool compress immediately after the hickey appears constricts blood flow to the area, potentially minimizing the size of the bruise. This is because the cold temperature helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. Hold the compress on the affected area for about 10 to 15 minutes several times a day, especially during the first 24 hours.
Another popular remedy is massaging the hickey. Gentle massage is believed to stimulate blood flow to the area, which can help the body to reabsorb the pooled blood. Using warm olive oil or coconut oil during the massage might enhance the effect, providing both lubrication and potential antioxidant benefits. However, avoid aggressive massage, as this could potentially worsen the bruise.
Applying gentle warmth to the area can also be helpful. A warm compress or heating pad can encourage blood circulation, potentially aiding in the healing process. Just be sure that the heat isnt too extreme, as this could cause further irritation.
Concealing a hickey is a straightforward way to minimize its visibility, if you're concerned about its appearance. Makeup, such as concealer, specifically formulated for covering bruises can effectively camouflage the mark. Select a concealer that matches your skin tone and apply it carefully to the hickey. Setting the concealer with powder can help it stay in place throughout the day. There are also numerous videos available online demonstrating how to effectively cover a hickey with makeup, a quick and simple solution.
In instances where you are giving a hickey, it's advisable to target areas of the body where such marks are commonly placed. The neck and chest are the typical locations, but consider the sides of the neck to avoid the center, near the throat, or under the chin. These areas are generally less sensitive and less prone to causing discomfort or drawing unwanted attention. It's also important to remember that the key to a pleasurable experience is to make it pain-free and enjoyable, allowing the recipient to have a good time.
If you're considering giving yourself a hickey, there are a few methods to try, but be aware that the results may vary. Pinching the skin firmly for a short duration can sometimes create a similar effect, but this is not recommended as it could be painful. In this process, you can use the suction technique for a hickey. Start by building anticipation through gentle kissing and caressing the desired area, such as the neck or collarbone. This will increase blood flow to the surface of the skin.
To create a hickey using the suction technique, you can also use the mouth of a bottle. Hold the bottle around the middle with both hands and squeeze it to push air out of the bottle. Keep applying steady pressure as you place the mouth of the bottle against your skin where you want the hickey to go. Then, loosen your hold on the bottle. This method, however, might be less predictable in terms of the final appearance and intensity of the mark. Additionally, some people have demonstrated the method to fake a hickey with fingers, as well as a tutorial on how to give a hickey using makeup.
The reasons for giving or receiving a hickey vary widely. For some, it's a playful expression of intimacy, a visible symbol of affection. For others, it might be a way to spice up the bedroom or create a sense of excitement in a relationship. Whatever the motivation, communication and respect are key. Always make sure your partner is comfortable and enthusiastic about the experience, and that boundaries are clearly established. This is a mark of love, a visible display that you've been intimate with someone.
Its worth noting that while some people are more prone to bruising than others, a hickey should ideally be a pleasurable experience. If its overly painful, or causes any unexpected side effects, it is advisable to stop. A hickey, in short, is a sign of intimacy and affection, but like all things, it's best enjoyed with understanding and consent.
