No, toothpaste does not remove love bites (also known as hickeys), although some people believe it can help.
While the idea is that minty toothpaste can stimulate circulation and speed up the healing process of a hickey, applying it is not a recommended method. According to the reference, using toothpaste to treat a love bite could irritate the skin. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Understanding Love Bites (Hickeys)
- A hickey is caused by broken blood vessels under the skin due to intense suction.
- The discoloration you see is the result of blood leaking into the surrounding tissues.
- Hickeys generally fade on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Why Toothpaste is Not an Effective Remedy
- Irritation: The primary concern highlighted in the reference is that toothpaste can irritate the skin, potentially worsening the condition rather than improving it.
- Limited Evidence: There is no scientific evidence to suggest that toothpaste effectively removes love bites. The theory that it boosts circulation is not well-supported.
- Other Options: There are many other more effective and gentle remedies, such as:
- Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and inflammation immediately after the hickey occurs.
- Warm Compress: After a day or two, use a warm compress to promote circulation and help the body reabsorb the blood.
- Topical Creams: Over-the-counter creams designed to reduce bruising may help speed up the healing.
- Time: The most effective treatment is time. The body will heal the hickey naturally, though you can try various methods to help speed things along.
The Risks of Using Toothpaste on Hickeys
| Potential Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | The chemicals and abrasives in toothpaste can be harsh on delicate skin, especially if applied repeatedly. |
| Redness and Swelling | Irritation can lead to further redness and swelling, exacerbating the appearance of the hickey. |
| Potential for Damage | Overuse might damage the skin, potentially increasing healing time. |
Key Takeaway
Don't use toothpaste to try to remove a hickey. While the reference suggests it might stimulate circulation, the downsides of skin irritation far outweigh any potential benefit. Opt for gentler, evidence-based methods to reduce the appearance of your hickey.
