04 July 2024

Health

Too-passionate kiss: how to get rid of a hickey quickly?

A passionate moment left a little too much of an impression on your skin? Don't worry — you're far from the first, and certainly not the last, to end up with a hickey after a kiss that was a little too… Intense. Before you resign yourself to wearing scarves in the height of summer, take a deep breath!

Here at ONY, we explain how to get rid of a hickey and speed up your healing. Together, let's explore the best tips to say goodbye to this "love bite":)

What is a hickey? A brief biological overview

You've all heard of it, some of you have even sported one proudly or, on the contrary, tried to hide it. But what exactly is a hickey, from a biological point of view?

When an area of skin is sucked or nibbled with a certain intensity, it can cause a rupture of the small blood vessels known as capillaries. Think of them as tiny pipes carrying blood. When they break, blood escapes and spreads beneath the surface of the skin.

→ Read also: How to have sex without penetration?

From pink to purple: the colour palette of a hickey

This process creates what we commonly call a bruise — or, more precisely in this context, a hickey.

Its colour, which ranges between red, pink and purple, depends on the amount of blood that has accumulated and your skin's reaction. It's your body's way of telling you something is happening — a bit like a bruise after an impact!

The fate of the hickey

Like any bruise, a hickey is not permanent. It will fade over time as the body repairs the "damage".

In the meantime, it may be wise to know how to get rid of it or speed up its healing. But patience — we'll come back to that a little later in the article:)

4 common misconceptions about hickeys

We've all heard these persistent myths about hickeys, but what's the truth? Let's uncover some of the most common beliefs:

"A hickey disappears in the blink of an eye"

Some people think a hickey fades as quickly as it appeared. Yet it can persist for several days, or even a week or more, before disappearing completely.

"Only the neck is affected"

Think again — a hickey can appear on any part of the body, particularly where the skin is thin and delicate. If marks are present on your neck, other areas of the body may also show traces of these "love bites".

"Hickeys are harmless to your health"

Although hickeys are generally harmless, they are not always without consequence. In rare cases, they can cause complications. It is therefore advisable to treat them with caution and to consult a doctor if any unusual symptoms appear.

"The older you are, the fewer hickeys you get"

Many people think of hickeys as the territory of young lovers. However, no matter your age, anyone can get one! Skin may change over time, but the body remains sensitive to hickeys, whether you're a teenager or more mature.

→ Read also: HPV in men: a virus to take seriously

Facts worth knowing

Now that we've cleared up the myths surrounding hickeys, let's look at a few essential facts you need to know about this "love bite".

Healing time varies

Every hickey is as unique as the person who has it. Some disappear from your body within a few days, while others can linger for a week or more. Your skin type, your age, and even your diet can influence how long it lasts. So patience and gentleness are key.

The psychological and social implications

Having a visible hickey, especially on your neck, just minutes before a meeting or an appointment, can invite judgement and unkind comments. This mark can damage your professional image and affect your psychological wellbeing. That's why so many people actively look for an effective way to get rid of their hickey in record time.

Prevention and communication with your partner:

The best way to handle a hickey? Talk about it before it even happens! If you're not comfortable with the idea of getting one, let your partner know. And conversely, if you'd like one as a souvenir of a passionate night, why not? The important thing is to be on the same page.

Neck Bite GIFfrom Neck GIFs

Health risks

Hickeys are not just marks of affection — they can also have implications for our health. What are the hidden risks behind these small purple patches?

They can transmit herpes

If your partner carries the herpes virus and gives you a hickey, it is possible that they could transmit the infection to you.

They can leave scars

Especially if your skin is sensitive and prone to scarring, or if the hickey is particularly severe.

They can cause strokes in rare cases

Indeed, in rare cases, if done with excessive pressure or on a particularly delicate area, a hickey can increase the risk of stroke.

Now that you're aware of these potential risks, let's move on to solutions for fading these unwanted marks.

How to get rid of a hickey: tips you need to know

Although a hickey often evokes steamy memories, in the light of day, these marks can cause embarrassment. Who hasn't felt that slight twinge of awkwardness upon discovering a hickey on their neck before a day at work, an important appointment, or a family meal?

That is why we're sharing tips with you to say goodbye to these marks and answer that all-important question: how do you get rid of a hickey?

The refreshing power of cold

In the first few minutes after getting a hickey, you can opt for cold treatment. Not only can it help reduce the size of this small "bruise", it can also help fade its red colour. Use a cold compress or ice cubes wrapped in a towel (without direct contact with the skin) and apply gently to the affected area. This technique causes the blood vessels to contract, reducing blood flow to the affected area. The result? A hickey that loses its intensity.

The spoon trick: when the kitchen saves the day

If you thought spoons were reserved for your favourite desserts, think again.

For this little secret, put a spoon in the fridge for about ten minutes. Then, use the back of the cold spoon, pressing gently on your hickey. Combining cold with a light pressure — two elements that can help soothe the red area on your skin.

And what's more, it's rather pleasant!

A good massage: the key to better circulation

Gently massage the area — for example, with a soft-bristled toothbrush — to stimulate blood circulation. You can massage with vitamin K oil or cream, which are great allies for the skin. They will help speed up the reabsorption of bruises.

This method helps disperse the accumulated blood. Gradually, the colour will fade and the hickey will become less visible.

A woman holding a spoon with an ice cube

Grandmother's remedies: naturally effective

Our grandmothers are always right! They have a remedy for everything. For our stubborn hickeys, here's what they would advise:

Arnica oil

It is often recommended for fading bruises. By gently applying this oil to the hickey, it can help reduce its appearance and speed up healing. A small amount of oil is enough to achieve noticeable results.

Aloe vera gel

Renowned for its soothing properties, it's a must-have for getting rid of a hickey more quickly. You can put the aloe vera gel in the fridge before use for a refreshing sensation on the affected area.

Banana peel

This is an unusual method, but one that has proven its worth. Apply the inside of a banana peel to your hickey. This should speed up the healing process.

Tea tree essential oil

It is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a few drops of this oil could greatly help your hickey heal.

Treat with heat

Once the hickey has reduced, apply a gentle source of heat. This can stimulate blood circulation and speed up healing.

And you — have you ever had an inconvenient hickey to get rid of before an important meeting?

The art of concealment: when cosmetics and accessories come to your rescue!

Say what you like, a hickey doesn't disappear at the snap of a finger! If this little passionate reminder is being particularly persistent, know that other remedies exist, gentlemen:

Clothing and accessories

If your hickey is proving particularly stubborn, think scarves, high-necked jumpers, or buttoned-up shirts. A well-chosen accessory or strategically placed clothing can conceal a hickey.

You'll just have to hope it doesn't happen in summer:)

Cosmetic products

Don't worry — if it happens in summer, there's always the make-up option!

Yes, you read that right, gentlemen! With a well-chosen concealer or a foundation matched to your complexion, you can make the mark of that… Ahem… Moment of weakness disappear.

And if your toiletry bag is sorely lacking these magic tools, why not quietly borrow some from your partner? After all, who says masculinity can't go hand in hand with cosmetics? 😉

How Make Up Works Brush GIFfrom How Make Up Works GIFs

→ Read also: 15 fascinating facts about morning erections

How to get rid of a hickey: key takeaways

A hickey often reminds us of a burning passion. However, when romance gives way to reality, many people look for remedies to speed up their skin's healing.

While cold, concealment, or our grandmothers' remedies are all effective solutions, it's crucial to remember that caution and communication with your partner remain the best prevention.

Thanks to our tips and advice, you are now equipped to answer the question: "How to get rid of a hickey quickly?" And if by any chance you find yourself with another one of these "love bites", remember that it's just a fleeting mark from a moment of happiness.

Laurie

Web writer

How to get rid of a hickey quickly?