Introduction
If you’ve ever had a hickey, you probably know how embarrassing it can be to have a visible mark on your neck or another visible area that indicates you’ve been doing something intimate. A hickey is actually a bruise caused by sucking or biting the skin too hard and breaking blood vessels. In this article, we’ll be discussing several methods for getting rid of a hickey, from natural remedies to over-the-counter medications, makeup techniques, and even prevention tips.
Natural remedies
If you prefer to use natural remedies to heal your hickey, there are several options you can try. Natural remedies can help reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and speed up the healing process of the broken blood vessels.
One of the most effective natural remedies is to apply a warm compress to the affected area. A warm compress can help improve blood circulation and increase the flow of oxygen in the affected area. To prepare a warm compress, soak a cloth in hot water, wring out the excess water, and apply it to the hickey for 10-15 minutes several times a day.
Aloe vera or banana peels are also effective natural remedies. Simply cut a piece of aloe vera or banana peel, and place it on the hickey for 10-15 minutes several times a day. Massage techniques, such as using your fingers to gently massage the hickey, can also help break up clotted blood and promote healing.
Makeup or Clothing
If you don’t want to wait for your hickey to heal naturally or you have an important event coming up, you might want to try using makeup or clothing to cover it up. There are several products and techniques you can use to conceal a hickey.
One of the most effective makeup techniques is to use a color-correcting concealer followed by a heavy coverage foundation. Green concealer can help neutralize redness, while yellow concealer can help neutralize purple or blue tones. Once you’ve applied the concealer, follow it up with foundation to cover the hickey completely.
You can also use layering clothing techniques to cover up a hickey. For example, a turtleneck or scarf can conceal a hickey on your neck effectively. Additionally, if you have a hickey on your chest, wearing a higher collar shirt or blouse can help cover it up.
Ice therapy
Ice therapy can help with the pain and swelling associated with a hickey. This technique can also reduce the size and appearance of the hickey.
To use ice therapy, you can apply a cold spoon or ice pack to the affected area for several minutes at a time. This can help constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the affected area, which can help minimize the appearance of the hickey.
Pressure
Applying pressure to the affected area can help break up blood clots and reduce the appearance of a hickey. The quickest method is to use a coin or the edge of a large plastic comb. Rub or scrape the hickey with the coin or comb for several minutes at a time. Using a toothbrush or even your fingers to apply pressure can also help reduce the appearance of the hickey, but be careful not to apply too much pressure to avoid injuring your skin further.
Medications
If you’re looking for a quick fix to your hickey problem, you might want to try over-the-counter medications. Some of the best options include Aspirin and Vitamin K cream. Aspirin can help reduce swelling and inflammation, while Vitamin K cream can help speed up the healing process.
Another popular option is to use topical Arnica gels. Arnica is an herb that’s been used for centuries to heal bruises and reduce inflammation. By applying this gel to the affected area several times a day, the bruise and its symptoms can be minimized.
Timing
When it comes to getting rid of a hickey, timing can be crucial. The earlier you start treating the hickey, the more likely you are to see results. For example, applying a warm compress or cold spoon immediately after getting a hickey can help reduce the swelling and appearance of the hickey.
If you don’t treat your hickey right away, you can still try using natural remedies, ice therapy, and over-the-counter medications a few days later. These methods can still help reduce the appearance of a hickey and promote faster healing.
Prevention
The best way to avoid having to get rid of a hickey is to prevent it from happening in the first place. This starts with communication with your partner. Be open and clear about what is and isn’t comfortable for you when it comes to physical affection. If you come home with a visible hickey, be prepared to explain yourself to friends or family members, so be sure to find less visible areas.
You can also try kissing or physical affection in less visible areas, such as behind the ears, under clothing, or even the crook of the arm. Using a scarf or high collar can help protect your neck while the hickey heals.
Conclusion
Getting rid of a hickey quickly can be an important goal for many people. From natural remedies and ice therapy to makeup techniques, pressure, and over-the-counter medications, there are several effective ways to treat a hickey and hide it from view. Remember that timing is important and that treating a hickey as soon as possible can help ensure the best results. Be patient and try different remedies to find what works best for you.