How to Get Rid of Hickeys: Research-Backed Remedies and Prevention Tips

Key Highlights: 

• Hickeys result from broken blood vessels under the skin.  
• Cold and warm compresses can help reduce swelling and promote healing. 
• Massaging, essential oils, and topical treatments can offer relief. 
• Natural remedies like banana peels and pineapple may speed up hickey recovery.  
• Tips to reduce the chances of getting hickeys include communicating with your partner and protecting your skin. 

Introduction

Are hickeys catching you off guard? Do they embarrass you? They can indeed be a worry if you need to hide them for work or social outings. If this gets you nodding, we wrote this blog post for you! Here, we will suggest some ways that can help you get rid of hickeys quickly. Also, we’ll provide tips to stop them from happening again. 

So, let’s delve into the world of hickeys and learn about some home remedies and expert advice to remove those love marks. 

According to me, the most effective method to manage your hickey is the use of traditional warm compresses. Applying warmth may dilate your blood vessels, which helps in the dispersal of the accumulated blood under your skin. This process aids in the removal of the red blood cells that have escaped from the vessels into your skin.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Understanding hickeys

1. What is a hickey?

A hickey is just a bruise. People also call them love bites or kiss marks. It happens when someone sucks, bites, or firmly kisses your skin.  

2. Causes and Formation

They form when tiny blood vessels near your skin break. These blood vessels are called capillaries. Capillaries break when there’s suction from passionate kisses or love bites. This results in the typical hickey look and color. 

3. Symptoms and Appearance

Hickeys can appear different from person to person. The common signs are: 

• Pink or red color that turns purple or blue as it heals 
•  Fading to green and yellow before it disappears completely 
• Tenderness or pain at the site of the hickey 
• Swelling at the site of the hickey 
   

Studies have shown an increased benefit with the use of warm compression along with gels and creams containing arnica, aloe vera, or vitamin C. This may result in the speedy recovery of the hickey as arnica accelerates the healing of bruises, vitamin C quickens blood clotting, and lastly, aloe vera gel reduces the burning sensation.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Research-backed Remedies for Hickeys

Hickeys usually heal by themselves without any long-term health issues in a week or two. Still, there are some proposed ways to speed up this process, which are evidence-backed. These include: 

Using Cold Compress

Putting a cold compress or chilled spoon on a fresh hickey can help. The cold shrinks broken blood vessels. This potentially lessens swelling and speeds up healing. You might use an ice pack, a cold wet cloth, or a spoon from the fridge. To avoid ice burning your skin, cover it with a thin towel or cloth. 

Here’s how to use a cold compress for hickeys: 

1. Wrap ice cubes or frozen veggies in a towel 
2. Put the cold compress on the hickey for 10-15 minutes 
3. Repeat this several times a day in the first 48 hours of getting the hickey 

Using Warm Compress

After the first 48 hours, it’s a good idea to switch to a warm compress. Heat boosts blood flow to the area, helping to clean out trapped blood and clear the bruise faster. 

Here’s how to use a warm compress: 

1. Warm water in a bowl (make sure it’s warm, not boiling) 
2. Soak a washcloth in the warm water and squeeze out extra water 
3. Put the warm compress on your hickey until the cloth cools down 
4. Repeat this 2-4 times a day until the hickey is healed 

Massaging Techniques for Hickeys

Massaging the hickey can help soothe pain. It can also boost the blood flow which aids in faster healing. Plus, it helps break up the blood clot and spread it out. This can make the bruise go away faster too. 

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Gently rub the hickey in circles using your fingers or a soft toothbrush 
2. Slowly put more pressure as you massage but never cause pain – this could make the bruise worse 
3. Spend a few minutes doing this, twice a day 

Essential oils to get rid of Hickeys

Peppermint Oil 

Peppermint oil can be a good option when dealing with hickeys. Its key ingredient, menthol, can increase blood flow and may help in reducing the hickey’s size and severity. It is best to use the essential oil and not the food extract. Plus, you must always dilute essential oils with carrier oils like coconut or almond oil. Mix 12 drops of carrier oil with every 1 to 2 drops of essential oil. 

After diluting the peppermint oil, gently rub a small amount onto the hickey. But be careful not to press too much. That could make the bruise worse. 

Other Essential Oils for Hickeys 

Lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and frankincense oil can also possibly help with hickeys. Just like peppermint oil, you need to dilute these oils with a carrier oil before applying. Then gently rub the oil onto the hickey. This helps blood circulation and healing. 

However, you must be cautious while using essential oils as these may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. In case you have constant itchiness, redness, or discomfort after the application of oil, stop using the oil and immediately talk to your healthcare provider. 
 

Topical Vitamin Application

Vitamin K 

Studies have shown that applying topical vitamin K speeds up skin healing and the healing of bruises. This can be due to the vitamin’s crucial role in the blood-clotting process in your body. 

You can apply a vitamin K cream to your hickey to lessen the appearance of the bruise. Also to further increase availability, you could also take vitamin K supplements or consume meals high in the vitamin. Try brown rice or leafy vegetables. 

Vitamin C 

Vitamin C is required for your skin to stay healthy and smooth, according to research. It has excellent antioxidant effects and might increase the collagen formation in your skin. Vitamin C may even help your hickey heal quickly by strengthening the skin tissue surrounding your blood vessels. 

Every day, application of a lotion with added vitamin C to the affected area can speed up healing. Increased consumption of citrus and plant-based foods may also be advantageous. 

Although studies have shown these to be effective while dealing with hickeys, it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider if your hickeys cause unbearable discomfort or pose major issues. 

Let’s glance at the useful points about some research-backed hickey remedies. 

Natural Remedies for Hickeys

Let’s now look at popular natural remedies that may also help in speeding up hickey healing: 

1. Banana peel mask

Bananas peels are rich in vitamins and nutrients that may help make a bruise less visible. To use it, just rub the inside of a ripe banana peel on the bruise for 30 minutes. Keep doing this twice a day until your hickey fades away. 

2. Pineapple

Pineapple contains an enzyme – bromelain, which can diminish bruising and inflammation. Hence, eating pineapple or applying it directly to the bruised area can potentially help. Keep in mind, eating the fruit isn’t the same as taking a medical dose of bromelain. Even so, including pineapple in your diet can assist in improving your overall health. 

3. Arnica

Arnica, a traditional medicinal herb, can help lessen inflammation and swelling when applied topically. If you use arnica cream or ointment on your hickey, it may help disperse the trapped blood clot, causing the bruise to disappear quickly. Various arnica products, including creams and gels, can be bought online. 

4. Comfrey

Comfrey is a plant native to Europe and parts of North America. It’s believed to reduce pain, swelling, and bruising. Studies have suggested that using topical comfrey root products may help to speed up the healing of bruises and reduce inflammation. Creams, gels, and other comfrey root products are available for purchase online. 

Although these products have been used traditionally to help ease swelling and inflammation, large-scale human trials are needed to confirm their benefits. 

Before we move on, let’s take a moment to understand the potential benefits of different natural remedies for hickeys. 

Tips to Lower your chances of Getting Hickey

To not  find yourself in the same situation again, consider these easy tips: 

1. Communication with partner

Talk openly with your partner. Be clear about your comfort levels. If you don’t want a hickey, communicate it. Clear talks can also deepen trust in your relationship. 

2. Wearing Scarves or Turtlenecks 

If you’re worried about getting a hickey, wear clothes that cover your neck area. Such items include scarves or turtlenecks that act as a physical barrier and remind your partner to respect your choice. 

3. Makeup for Hickey Covering 

For quick coverage, makeup like concealer or foundation can do the trick. Choose a product that matches your skin color. Dab it on the hickey and blend it well. 

The following table covers some essential methods to lessen your chances of getting hickeys i 

How Long Do Hickeys Last?

Hickeys usually last from a few days up to two weeks. It depends on how severe the bruise is, the person’s own healing process, and any treatments used. Proven home remedies and prevention tips can reduce healing time and the chances of future hickeys. 

Conclusion

Hickeys are a common result of passionate moments. But they should not embarrass you. Proven techniques and natural remedies can help you better deal with hickeys. With good care, hickeys will usually heal in a week or two. At the same time, having open chats with your partner and wearing protective clothing can lessen your chances of getting hickeys in the first place.    

Remember, our article provides helpful information to speed up the healing and tips to reduce the chances of getting future hickeys. However, if they pose severe issues, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider. 

FAQ (Frequently Ask Questions)

References: 

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8. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Potential role of bromelain in clinical and therapeutic applications [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 23]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4998156 
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