Introduction
Have you ever had a hickey or love bite that you wished would disappear? Hickeys are bruises that occur when someone sucks or kisses the skin with a lot of pressure, causing blood vessels to rupture and leave a mark. While hickeys are harmless and usually heal on their own, some people find them embarrassing or uncomfortable. This article aims to provide tips and remedies for those who want to remove hickeys.
Natural Remedies for Removing Hickeys
Although there is no scientific evidence that natural remedies can remove hickeys, some people report success with home remedies. Here are some remedies that you can try:
Ice
Ice is said to help reduce swelling and improve blood circulation, which may speed up the healing process of a hickey. To use ice, wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and hold it against the hickey for 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and help reduce the appearance of hickeys. Apply a small amount of aloe vera gel or lotion to the affected area a few times a day.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils, like lavender, peppermint, and tea tree oil, are said to have healing properties that can help reduce the appearance of hickeys. Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, like coconut or olive oil, and gently massage the mixture onto the hickey a few times a day.
Remember, these remedies may not work for everyone or could cause skin irritation. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using the remedy immediately.
Covering Up Hickeys
If you’re unable to remove a hickey with natural remedies or if you need a quick solution, you can try covering it up with makeup or clothing. Here are some tips:
Makeup
To cover up a hickey with makeup, start by applying a green-tinted color corrector to neutralize the redness of the hickey. Then apply a layer of concealer that matches your skin tone. Set the makeup with a translucent powder. You may need to reapply the makeup throughout the day to keep the hickey covered.
Clothing and Accessories
If the hickey is on your neck, you may be able to cover it up with a scarf or wearing a collared shirt. If the hickey is on your arm, you can try wearing a long-sleeved shirt or a bracelet.
Additional tips for avoiding drawing attention to the hickey include wearing your hair down or avoiding necklaces or other jewelry that may draw attention to the area.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to removing hickeys, there are several mistakes that people commonly make that can actually make the hickey worse. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Using a Toothbrush
Some people believe that using a toothbrush can help break apart a blood clot and reduce the appearance of a hickey. However, this can actually cause more damage to the skin and worsen the hickey.
Applying Heat
Although applying heat can sometimes help with bruising, it can actually make a hickey worse. Heat can increase blood flow and cause the hickey to become larger and more visible.
Sucking the hickey
While some people believe that sucking on a hickey can break apart the blood clot and reduce the appearance of the hickey, this is not true and can actually make the hickey worse.
If you want to reduce the appearance of a hickey, stick to the remedies and tips outlined in this article.
Signs That a Hickey Might Be More Serious
While most hickeys are harmless and will heal on their own within a few days, there are some signs that a hickey may be more serious and require medical attention. Here are some signs to look out for:
Large Size
If a hickey is unusually large, it may be a sign of a more serious issue, like a deep vein thrombosis.
Painful
If a hickey is causing you significant pain, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Slow to Heal
If a hickey is slow to heal or doesn’t show signs of improvement within a few days, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
How to Prevent Hickeys
The best way to avoid dealing with the removal of hickeys is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing hickeys:
Use a Barrier Method During Kissing
If you’re concerned about getting a hickey, consider using a barrier method during kissing, like a dental dam or a condom.
Be Intentional About Where You Give and Receive Affection
If you know that your partner is prone to giving hickeys in certain areas, be intentional about avoiding those areas or covering them up during intimate moments.
Conclusion
While hickeys can be embarrassing or uncomfortable, they’re usually harmless and will heal on their own within a few days. If you’re looking for ways to remove a hickey, consider natural remedies like ice, aloe vera, and essential oils, or try covering it up with makeup or clothing. If you need to seek medical attention, be on the lookout for symptoms like pain or slow healing. Ultimately, the best way to deal with hickeys is to be patient and give them time to heal or take steps to prevent them from happening in the first place.
