Introduction

A hickey, also known as a love bite or kiss mark, is a bruise-like mark that appears on the skin as a result of broken blood vessels. They occur when someone sucks hard on an area of skin, causing superficial blood vessels to burst and leave behind a mark that ranges from reddish to purplish.

Hickies are incredibly common and can happen to anyone who indulges in kissing or love-making activities. While they may seem harmless or even fun, they can be embarrassing in social and professional situations. Therefore, the need to remove them becomes essential. In this article, we will delve into some easy, tried and tested methods for getting rid of hickies in a jiffy.

5 Tried and Tested Methods to Quickly Get Rid of a Hickey

Here are some methods, backed by scientific research, that can help to remove a hickey fast:

Cold Treatment

Applying something cold on a hickey immediately after the incident can help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the swelling. You can ice-pack the area using a cold spoon, a towel soaked in cold water or a bag of frozen vegetables.

Heat Treatment

After a few days of cold treatment if the swelling persists and the bruise looks yellowish, a hot towel or a heating pad can help to relax the capillaries and promote blood circulation. As a result, the bruise can heal faster.

Massage

Gently massaging the hickey with a combination of both cold and heat treatments can also help to break up the blood clot and promote faster circulation. However, you should be gentle as too much pressure may worsen the bruise.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe the skin and reduce swelling. You can apply aloe vera gel to the hickey and massage it gently. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with cold water.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K has blood clotting properties and can help to heal bruises faster. You can apply vitamin K cream or ointment to the hickey and massage it gently. Alternatively, you can take vitamin K supplements or increase your intake of foods high in vitamin K, such as spinach, kale or broccoli.

The Dos and Don’ts of Trying to Conceal or Remove a Hickey

There are certain do’s and don’ts that are necessary to consider when trying to conceal or remove a hickey.

What not to do

Do not apply heat immediately after getting a hickey as it can worsen the swelling. Avoid consuming aspirin or blood thinners as they can prolong the bleeding and make the hickey worse. Do not rub the area as it can cause further damage to the skin and lead to more bruising.

What to do

Apply cold immediately after getting a hickey to prevent swelling. Avoid touching the hickey as it can increase the risk of infection. Get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids to promote healthy blood circulation and healing.

Necessary precautions

If you have sensitive skin, you should be cautious while using any treatment as it may worsen the skin condition. If you experience any discomfort or pain, discontinue the treatment immediately.

Proper rest and hydration

It is essential to get enough rest and drink plenty of water as they can prevent the formation and spread of hickies. Proper sleep and hydration can improve the health of the skin and prevent any breakouts or infections.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Hickey with Common Household Items

Here are some common household items that can help to get rid of a hickey fast:

Explanation of household items

Toothbrush, coin, lip balm, and spoon are some of the common household items that can be used to remove a hickey.

Steps to follow

Gently massage the hickey with a toothbrush. Use a coin to slightly scrape the hickey in one direction to break up the blood clot. Apply lip balm or petroleum jelly to the area and cover it with a bandage or a piece of cloth. Press a chilled spoon on the hickey to reduce the swelling.

Precautions to take

Be cautious and gentle while trying any of these treatments. Do not use sharp objects or excessive force as it can cause further damage to the skin.

Common mistakes

One common mistake that people make is applying too much pressure while trying to remove a hickey. This can cause further damage to the skin and make the hickey worse.

Natural Remedies: How to Make a Hickey Disappear Faster

Here are some natural remedies that can help to get rid of a hickey fast:

Home remedies that work

Arnica, banana peel, orange peel, and witch hazel are some natural remedies that can be used to remove a hickey quickly.

Explanation of how they work

Arnica has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and reduce swelling. Banana peel and orange peel contain antioxidants that can help to heal the bruise and promote skin health. Witch hazel has astringent properties that can help to constrict the blood vessels and reduce swelling.

Preparing and using home remedies

Crush some arnica leaves and apply directly to the hickey. Use a fresh banana or orange peel and rub the inside of it gently over the hickey area. Apply witch hazel solution to the hickey and rub it gently.

Possible risks

Natural remedies are safer than chemical treatments, but they can still cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin.

How to Hide or Get Rid of a Hickey: Expert Tips and Tactics

Here are some expert tips and tactics that can help to hide or get rid of a hickey:

Expert advice

A professional makeup artist can help to cover up a hickey effectively. They can use color correction techniques and makeup products to make the hickey less noticeable.

Makeup tips

Use a green color corrector to neutralize the redness. Apply a concealer that matches the skin tone over the hickey and blend it well. Set the makeup with a compact powder or setting spray to make it last longer.

Proper clothing

Wear clothing that covers up the hickey, such as a high-necked top or a scarf.

Possible side effects

Some people may experience allergic reactions to the makeup products used to cover up the hickey.

When You Can’t Hide It Anymore: How to Remove a Hickey Before it Becomes Too Obvious

Sometimes people fail to remove hickies in time, and they become too visible to conceal. In such cases, seeking professional help becomes necessary:

Explanation of the stages of a hickey

A hickey goes through different stages of healing – redness, swelling, bruising, and fading. The fading stage takes longer than the other stages, and it may take up to two weeks or more for the hickey to disappear completely.

When to seek professional help

If you have a hickey that is too visible to conceal and does not go away even after two weeks, it may be time to seek professional help.

How to approach a professional

You can approach a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon who can provide you with the right treatment for your hickey.

Common remedies used by professionals

Laser treatments, chemical peels, and micro-needling are some of the common remedies used by professionals to remove a hickey.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hickies may be fun and passionate, but they can also be embarrassing and difficult to deal with when they become too visible. Fortunately, there are several easy and effective ways to remove hickies using natural remedies or household items. However, it is essential to take proper precautions and consult a professional, if necessary, to avoid any adverse effects. We hope this comprehensive guide has helped you learn how to remove hickies quickly and with ease.