Making a hickey "better" typically refers to speeding up its healing process or reducing its visible appearance, as a hickey is essentially a bruise caused by broken blood vessels under the skin. Effective treatment methods, particularly using compresses, can help.
Understanding Hickeys
A hickey, also known as a love bite or kiss mark, is a type of bruise. It forms when passionate kissing or sucking on the skin causes the small blood vessels near the surface to break, resulting in blood pooling under the skin. This pooling of blood is what creates the characteristic red, purple, or brown mark.
Treating Hickeys to Speed Up Healing
While a hickey will eventually fade on its own as the body reabsorbs the pooled blood, certain treatments can help speed up the process. The primary methods involve managing the bruising.
Using Compresses Effectively
One of the most common and effective methods for treating a hickey is applying compresses. The type of compress and when you apply it matters:
- Cold Compresses: According to guidance, cold compresses usually work best on more severe bruising. Applying something cold shortly after the hickey forms helps to constrict blood vessels, minimizing the amount of blood that leaks out and reducing swelling. You can use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, a bag of frozen vegetables, or even a cold spoon. Apply for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first day or two.
- Warm Compresses: After the initial phase (typically after the second day), you can switch to a warm compress. If your hickey isn't swollen or inflamed, you can treat it with a warm compress immediately and up to four times a day. Applying warmth helps to dilate blood vessels, which can increase blood flow to the area. This increased circulation helps the body reabsorb the pooled blood faster. Use a warm (not hot) cloth and apply for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Here's a quick guide based on the reference:
| Stage of Hickey / Condition | Recommended Compress | Application Frequency | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Severe bruising | Cold Compress | First day or two | Reduces bleeding and swelling |
| After day two | Warm Compress | Up to four times a day | Increases blood flow, aids absorption |
| Not swollen/inflamed | Warm Compress | Immediately, up to 4x/day | Increases blood flow, aids absorption |
Other Potential Aids
While compresses are a key method mentioned in resources, other techniques are often suggested:
- Massage: Gently massaging the area can help break up the pooled blood and encourage circulation. Use your fingers to apply light pressure and rub in a circular motion from the center outwards. Be gentle, especially in the first couple of days.
- Using Objects: The smooth surface of a coin or toothbrush handle can sometimes be used to gently scrape the skin outwards from the center of the hickey. The idea is to disperse the blood, but this should be done very carefully to avoid causing further irritation.
- Topical Creams: Creams or ointments containing Vitamin K, Arnica, or Aloe Vera are sometimes used for bruises to help speed up fading, though effectiveness can vary.
- Concealment: For immediate results, makeup like color correctors (green tones work well for redness) and foundation can effectively cover a hickey temporarily.
By employing methods like alternating between cold and warm compresses, gentle massage, and ensuring good overall circulation, you can potentially help your hickey heal faster than if left untreated.
