Yes, hickeys can bleed.
How Hickeys Can Lead to Bleeding
Hickeys, also known as love bites, are essentially bruises caused by suction and pressure on the skin. Here's a breakdown of how they can potentially bleed:
- Pressure and Suction: Kissing, biting, and nibbling, which are common during the creation of a hickey, can draw blood to the skin's surface.
- Capillary Damage: This intense pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, just beneath the skin.
- Bruising and Bleeding: When these capillaries rupture, it causes blood to leak into the surrounding tissue, resulting in the characteristic red, purple, or blue mark we know as a bruise. According to the reference, this process can also "begin to bleed."
- Potential for Surface Breaks: In some cases, especially if there is very intense sucking or biting involved, the skin itself might break, causing visible bleeding on the surface in addition to bruising.
The Difference Between Bruising and Bleeding
It's important to understand the difference between the bruising associated with a hickey and actual bleeding:
| Feature | Bruising | Bleeding |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Ruptured capillaries beneath the skin | Open wound or broken skin |
| Appearance | Discoloration under the skin | Visible blood on the skin's surface |
| Severity | Usually mild and heals on its own | Can vary and require cleaning |
Factors That Affect Bleeding
While any hickey has the potential to cause bleeding, certain factors can increase the likelihood:
- Intensity: The harder the sucking or biting, the more likely it is to cause significant capillary damage and potentially a break in the skin that bleeds.
- Skin Sensitivity: People with more sensitive skin may bruise or bleed more easily.
- Medications: Certain medications, like blood thinners, can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Summary
In conclusion, hickeys can indeed cause bleeding as well as bruising. This happens when intense pressure ruptures blood vessels near the skin surface. In more severe cases the skin can break and lead to visible bleeding.
