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If your partner's moves involve sucking or biting, a steamy make-out session may leave a love bite. More commonly known as a hickey, the purple splotch can be hard to hide — unless it's turtleneck weather. As hot as it might've been to get that hickey, you might not feel super hot sporting it out in public. So, how do you remove a hickey fast?
First, it's important to note that you don't have to hide a hickey — not everyone wants to. Some people might want to flaunt theirs around or use it as a symbol of sexual freedom. If that, we say go for it! However, if you feel like you'll look like a hormonal 13-year-old, it could be helpful to know the quickest ways to get rid of a hickey. That's why we tapped experts Julie Russak, Shannon Chavez, Kenneth Mark, Susan Bard, and Amy Baldwin for their tips and prevention methods.
Meet the expert
- Julie Russak, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Russak Aesthetic Center in New York City.
- Shannon Chavez, PsyD, is a psychologist and sex therapist in Los Angeles.
- Kenneth Mark, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in N.Y.C.
- Susan Bard, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in N.Y.C.
- Amy Baldwin is a sex educator, sex and relationship coach, and co-host of the Shameless Sex podcast.
Keep reading to learn how you can heal and conceal hickeys, as well as the best techniques to avoid getting one in the first place.
How Hickeys Happen
The answer, in short, is that the sucking and light biting cause the hickey. To get more scientific, those movements lead to broken blood vessels — and a bruise. According to Dr. Russak, pressure from the suction breaks down small capillaries, which allows red blood cells to leak through the surrounding tissue.
When red blood cells oxidize, they form purple purpura patches, otherwise known as a hickey.
Also referred to as "love bites," hickeys can occur on all parts of the body — not just the neck — but they're more likely to occur in sensitive areas, noted Chavez.
Because it's a visual reminder you were getting frisky, you might be embarrassed and concerned that people will see it as "trashy" or an opportunity to pass judgment on your sexual behavior. However, it's also possible to get a confidence boost from that love bite.
"Not hiding your hickeys can be a way to express yourself or show off to your friends and peers," said Chavez. "Some people feel empowered by hickeys, as it shows they are not afraid of being sexual or letting people know they are sexual."
Even if you're feeling rather self-satisfied about how it got there, there are plenty of reasons (e.g., a job interview or formal occasion) you might want to make a hickey disappear ASAP.
How to Quickly Get Rid of Hickeys
Use a Cold Compress
If you do this as soon as the hickey forms, this step reduces bleeding and bruising, noted Dr. Mark.
"Cold compresses can minimize damage — and the sooner you do it, the better. It's analogous to trying to minimize swelling after an acute injury," Dr. Mark said.
To cold compress, use a cloth soaked in cold water, an ice pack, or even a cold spoon directly on the hickey for 10 minutes every few hours during the first day.
Conceal with Makeup
Dr. Russak recommended using Dermablend's Cover Care Full Coverage Concealer.
"It is a professional makeup specifically made to cover bruises and scars that will immediately cover discoloration on the skin," explained Dr. Russak.
Apply Arnica Gel
"Applying topical arnica gel several times a day helps break down the bruise and turn it from purple to yellow faster," Dr. Bard said.
Dr. Bard also noted that arnica helps increase circulation, which allows the body to heal and clear the bruise quickly. One to try: Boiron Arnicare Bruise.
Eat Pineapple
While it's not going to clear your hickey up overnight, consider adding pineapple to your next snack or meal. Dr. Bard said pineapples are rich in bromelain, an enzyme that has been linked to pain relief and a reduction of swelling and inflammation.
Try a Warm Compress and Massage
A day or so after the hickey forms, Dr. Bard recommended applying warmth to the spot, as it can boost circulation to promote healing. Chavez suggested that lightly massaging the area — especially in conjunction with using a warm compress — can increase blood flow and help reduce clotting.
Apply Vitamin K
According to Chavez, creams or gels packed with this powerful antioxidant can help the body heal by reducing clotting. Our pick: Dermal-K Vitamin K Cream.
See Your Dermatologist
"If you need a super quick fix, see your board-certified dermatologist," said Dr. Bard.
They can perform a laser treatment that will break down the bruise, allowing the body to naturally clear it away in about a day.
How to Avoid Getting a Hickey in the First Place
Once you've cleared up one love bite, you might want to take steps to avoid having to go through the healing process all over again.
Baldwin suggested making a point to "kiss mindfully." You or your partner can still kiss parts of the body passionately and with pressure but try to ensure that the pressure is coming from pressing your lips or tongue against the skin, as opposed to your teeth. Baldwin added that you'll also want to avoid sucking as that's more likely to leave a bruise.
Ultimately, your best bet for preempting a hickey is setting boundaries around intensity, noted Chavez, who recommended talking to your partner before your next romp to communicate what's OK and what's not — and if marks are off the table, you can still find plenty of other ways to pleasure one another.
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