A hickey, also known as a “love mark” or “kiss bruise,” is a small, visible bruise caused by suction or light pressure on the skin.
Most often appearing on the neck, shoulders, or collarbone, hickeys are generally harmless but can be misunderstood or stigmatized. This comprehensive guide explores what causes hickeys, debunks common myths, outlines rare medical risks, and provides safe, practical methods for treatment and concealment.
What Is a Hickey?
A hickey is a type of superficial bruise. It forms when small blood vessels beneath the skin (capillaries) break due to suction or pressure. When these capillaries rupture, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue, creating a red, purple, or dark mark.
As the body naturally breaks down and reabsorbs the blood, the mark fades over time, similar to how other bruises heal. Hickeys do not involve broken skin and are typically painless, although they may feel tender at first.
What Causes a Hickey?
The primary cause of a hickey is suction applied to the skin, usually during close physical contact. The pressure pulls blood to the surface and ruptures small vessels.
Contributing Factors Include:
Light biting or repeated pressure that increases trauma to the skin
Delicate or sensitive skin, which is more prone to bruising
Extended or forceful suction, which creates larger or darker hickeys
Medical conditions such as anemia or blood clotting disorders that increase bruise susceptibility
Couple Smile Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash
How Long Does a Hickey Last?
Most hickeys heal within 3 to 14 days. The timeline varies based on skin type, severity of suction, and individual healing response.
Color progression often follows this pattern:
Red or purple (days 1–3)
Blue or greenish (days 4–7)
Yellow or brown (days 8–14)
If a hickey remains after two weeks, becomes painful, or is accompanied by swelling or a lump, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider.
Are Hickeys Harmful?
Typically Harmless
In the vast majority of cases, hickeys are completely benign. They are a cosmetic issue and do not require medical attention.
Rare but Documented Risks
There are a few medically documented but extremely rare complications linked to hickeys:
1. Arterial injury and stroke:
A 2016 case in Mexico involved a 17-year-old who reportedly suffered a stroke possibly linked to a neck hickey near a major artery. Similarly, a 44-year-old woman in New Zealand developed stroke symptoms after receiving a hickey. These rare incidents suggest that excessive suction over certain areas of the neck could, in theory, trigger vascular damage. However, such cases are not common and are not definitive evidence of risk in healthy individuals.
2. Cold sore transmission (Herpes Simplex Virus 1):
If the person giving the hickey has an active cold sore, there is a small risk of transmitting HSV-1 to broken or irritated skin.
3. Skin damage or scarring:
Forceful suction, repeated hickeys in the same area, or picking at the bruise can occasionally lead to irritation or minor scarring.
How to Treat a Hickey
While there is no instant fix, several home remedies can help reduce the appearance and promote faster healing.
Cold Compress (First 24–48 Hours)
Apply a wrapped ice pack or a cold metal spoon to the area for 10–15 minutes at a time, several times daily. Cold treatment can minimize blood leakage and reduce swelling.
Warm Compress (After 48 Hours)
