Hickeys: What You Need to Know

Hickeys, also known as love bites, are reddish or purple marks that appear on the skin after sucking or kissing it. They are usually harmless and will fade away on their own after a few days or weeks. However, some hickeys can be more severe and may cause pain, swelling, or bruising.

What causes hickeys?

Hickeys are caused by the breaking of small blood vessels under the skin. When someone sucks or kisses your skin, they create suction that pulls blood into the area, causing the blood vessels to break. The resulting bruise is what you see as a hickey.

Who can get hickeys?

Anyone can get a hickey, regardless of age, gender, or skin color. However, people who have fair skin are more likely to develop hickeys than people who have dark skin.

Where do hickeys most commonly appear?

Hickeys can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the neck, shoulders, and upper chest.

How can you treat a hickey?

There is no specific treatment for hickeys. However, there are a few things you can do to help speed up the healing process and relieve any discomfort:

* Apply a cold compress to the hickey for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This will help reduce swelling and pain.

* Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain.

* Avoid touching or picking at the hickey. This can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

* Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bruise.

* Get enough rest. Your body needs rest to heal.

How can you prevent hickeys?

There is no sure way to prevent hickeys, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:

* Avoid letting anyone suck or kiss your skin in a way that creates suction.

* If someone does suck or kiss your skin, ask them to stop immediately if you feel pain or discomfort.

* Wear a high-necked shirt or scarf to cover up the area where you would most like to get hickeys.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, hickeys are harmless and will fade away on their own. However, you should see a doctor if you have a hickey that:

* Is severe and causes significant pain, swelling, or bruising

* Does not fade away after several weeks

* Is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, chills, or body aches

Hickeys are a common experience that is usually harmless. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent them and treat them if they do occur.