What are hickeys and what do they look like?
A hickey is a bruise that forms when strong suction or pressure breaks tiny skin vessels during kissing or biting. In medical terms, the spot is called ecchymosis. The affected area often reddens first and then shifts to blue or purple as it collects and then fades through greenish and yellow tones during healing.
Hickeys are usually harmless but can be visually unappealing and sometimes tender. They occur for several reasons and vary by location and severity.
Mechanical damage to capillaries. During a highly passionate moment, a strong suction can raise pressure within tiny vessels, causing them to rupture and bleed into surrounding tissue, creating the bruise.
Skin tone and blood supply. Individuals with lighter skin or thinner skin may notice hickeys more because capillaries lie closer to the surface. Factors like vasculitis or vitamin C deficiency can increase bruise tendency.
Medication effects. Drugs that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin or anticoagulants, can raise the risk of capillary rupture and hickey formation.
Hormonal influences. Hormone fluctuations, especially in women, can affect capillary permeability and fragility, increasing hickey likelihood.
Most injuries heal on their own. Healing typically happens within 3 to 14 days, depending on bruise severity and the body’s repair pace.
While there is no miracle cure, anti-inflammatory or swelling-reducing medications can help speed recovery. It’s important to note that a bruise cannot be erased in a single day by any medicine or cosmetic procedure.
Folk methods and improvised remedies against hiccups
cold compress
Applying a cold compress or ice to the affected area during the first 24 to 48 hours can reduce inflammation and slow bleeding under the skin. Wrap ice in a cloth to protect skin from freezing. Cold constricts blood vessels, which lightens the bruise color during the early stage.
Fomentation
After the initial 48 hours, switching to warm compresses can help. Heat dilates blood vessels and improves circulation, aiding the dissolution of pooled blood beneath the skin.
Aloe vera
Aloe’s soothing properties may ease irritation and speed healing. Fresh juice from crushed leaves can be applied with a bandage or gauze, or ready-made aloe products can be used.
Potatoes, onions and cabbage
A classic remedy involves everyday vegetables believed to lessen redness and bruise size. Slices of potato or onion, or a paste made from crushed vegetables, can be placed on the bruise for an hour or longer. Cabbage leaves can be processed similarly.
Soda
A paste made from baking soda and water can be applied, then left under a bandage overnight. Rinse with warm water in the morning.
Light massage
Gentle massage may improve circulation and help the bruise fade, but excessive pressure should be avoided.
Tea bags
Chilled green tea bags contain tannins that support tissue healing. Apply a cooled tea bag to the bruise for 10 to 15 minutes and repeat several times daily.
Nutrition
Foods rich in vitamins C and K may strengthen capillary walls and speed healing. Green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, broccoli and strawberries are good sources.
How to get rid of hickeys using pharmaceutical products
Heparin ointments
Heparin helps prevent further clotting and can improve microcirculation. A thin layer applied 2 to 3 times daily may speed bruise absorption. Store in a cool place for best results.
Arnica extract creams
Arnica can reduce inflammation and promote healing. Apply to the bruise several times daily, avoiding broken skin or open wounds.
Vitamin K ointments
Vitamin K supports clotting and may speed repair of damaged capillaries. Apply to the affected area once or twice daily until the bruise fades.
Troxerutin (troxevasin)
Troxerutin strengthens blood vessel walls and lowers swelling. Apply the gel twice daily and rub in until absorbed.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen offers anti-inflammatory relief for pain and swelling. Use as directed on the package, typically 200–400 mg every four to six hours as needed, not exceeding the label dose.
Consult a clinician before using any medication, especially for allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or other medicines, to avoid adverse reactions.
How to hide hickey with makeup?
A makeup artist explained that cosmetics can both highlight features and conceal marks from recent kisses or blemishes.
With tinted concealers and correctors, uneven tones can be balanced for a natural look.
Often a concealer with a green tint is used to neutralize redness. The product should be blended well to avoid a concealed-looking patch. Follow with foundation and powder for a seamless finish.
Co-narrator notes the makeup artist’s emphasis on even distribution to avoid a mask-like appearance. The surrounding skin should look uniform and natural.
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Often a concealer or corrector with a greenish tint is used to hide the hematoma on the skin. The makeup artist emphasized that the cosmetic product should be well distributed on the skin in order to hide acne and not create a blemish effect. Then apply foundation and powder on top.