A hickey, also known as a love bite, is a temporary mark on the skin caused by sucking or biting. It's a harmless, albeit sometimes embarrassing, mark that usually fades within a few days or weeks.
Here's a breakdown of why hickeys happen and what you can do about them:
Why Do Hickeys Form?
- Blood Vessel Damage: When someone sucks or bites on the skin, the force can break tiny blood vessels beneath the surface.
- Blood Pooling: The broken blood vessels cause blood to pool in the area, creating the characteristic red, purple, or even black mark.
- Temporary Discoloration: The discoloration is due to the trapped blood, not a bruise in the traditional sense.
What Can You Do About a Hickey?
- Time: Hickeys usually fade on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress (like an ice pack wrapped in a towel) to the area can help reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: You can also try using over-the-counter creams or gels designed to reduce bruising.
- Concealer: If you need to cover a hickey, try using makeup like concealer.
Hickeys and Consent
It's important to remember that hickeys, while harmless, can be a sensitive topic. Always ensure you have explicit consent from the person before giving them a hickey.
Conclusion
Hickeys are a common, temporary mark caused by sucking or biting. While they're generally harmless, it's essential to respect boundaries and obtain consent before giving someone a hickey.
