What is the difference between hickeys and bruises?

Hickeys and bruises are both areas of discolored skin, but they have different causes and characteristics.

Hickeys

* Caused by sucking or kissing the skin, which causes blood vessels to burst and blood to pool under the skin

* Usually round or oval-shaped

* Dark red or purple in color

* May be slightly raised or swollen

* Typically fade within a few days to a week

Bruises

* Caused by blunt force trauma to the skin, which damages blood vessels and causes blood to leak into the surrounding tissue

* Usually irregular in shape

* Initially black or blue, and then may turn green or yellow as they fade

* May be tender or painful

* May take several weeks to fade completely

In addition to their different causes and characteristics, hickeys and bruises also differ in their medical significance. Hickeys are generally harmless and do not require any treatment. However, bruises can sometimes be a sign of more serious underlying medical conditions, such as a bone fracture or blood clotting disorder. If you have a bruise that is particularly large, painful, or does not fade within a few weeks, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.