You Have a Hickey. Now What?

It happens. A moment of passion leaves a mark you need to hide. Hickeys are bruises – broken blood vessels under the skin. They fade naturally in 5-12 days. But if you need it gone faster, these methods actually work.

What Is a Hickey? (Understanding the Bruise)

A hickey is a bruise caused by suction breaking small blood vessels (capillaries) under the skin. Blood leaks into surrounding tissue, creating the red/purple mark. Healing happens as your body reabsorbs the blood. Anything that increases blood flow to the area speeds healing.

Method 1: Cold Compress (First 24 Hours Only)

Apply cold compress or ice wrapped in cloth for 10-15 minutes. Repeat every 2-3 hours for first 24 hours. Cold reduces swelling and constricts blood vessels, preventing bruise from spreading.

Method 2: Warm Compress (After 24 Hours)

After first 24 hours, switch to warm compress. Apply warm cloth for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily. Warmth increases blood flow to area, helping reabsorb trapped blood faster.

Method 3: Gentle Massage (After 48 Hours)

Once bruise is no longer tender, gently massage in circular motions. This breaks up clotted blood and stimulates circulation. Use aloe vera gel or vitamin E oil as lubricant. Do not massage if painful.

Method 4: Aloe Vera (Natural Healer)

Apply pure aloe vera gel 2-3 times daily. Aloe has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes healing. Store aloe in refrigerator for cooling effect.

Method 5: Vitamin K Cream (Available at Pharmacies)

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and healing bruises. Apply vitamin K cream 2-3 times daily. Available over the counter at most pharmacies.

Method 6: Arnica Gel (Homeopathic Bruise Treatment)

Arnica is a natural remedy for bruises. Apply arnica gel 3-4 times daily. Available at health food stores and pharmacies. Works for many people.

Method 7: Pineapple or Papaya (Bromelain Enzyme)

Bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple and papaya, breaks down bruising proteins. Apply fresh pineapple or papaya pulp to hickey for 15 minutes daily. Or eat fresh pineapple – digestive enzymes also work systemically.

Method 8: Witch Hazel (Astringent)

Apply witch hazel with cotton ball 2-3 times daily. Witch hazel reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

Method 9: Vitamin C (Internal and Topical)

Take vitamin C supplements (500-1000mg daily). Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels and promotes healing. Also apply vitamin C serum topically if available.

Method 10: Concealer Makeup (Immediate Cover)

For immediate hiding: apply color corrector (green or yellow cancels purple/red). Apply concealer matching your skin tone. Set with powder. Use setting spray. This covers any hickey completely.

What NOT to Do

  • Do not use toothpaste (irritates skin, does nothing for bruise)
  • Do not use hot compress in first 24 hours (spreads bruise)
  • Do not massage when painful (worsens tissue damage)
  • Do not apply alcohol (dries skin, no healing benefit)

Healing Timeline with These Methods

  • Day 1: Red/purple mark
  • Day 2-3: Turns blue/purple
  • Day 4-5: Turns greenish
  • Day 6-7: Turns yellow/brown
  • Day 8-12: Fades completely

With active treatment, reduce timeline by 2-4 days.

How to Hide a Hickey Immediately (Clothing Options)

  • Turtleneck or mock neck sweater (winter)
  • Scarf (any season)
  • Button-down shirt with collar up
  • Jacket or blazer with collar
  • Hair (long hair covers neck)
  • Bandage ("I burned myself cooking")

Conclusion: Time Heals, But These Methods Speed It Up

The fastest way to remove a hickey is preventing it (use a scarf or ask partner to avoid suction). But if you already have one, cold compress first day, warm compress after, gentle massage, and aloe vera. Or just wear a scarf for 5 days. No one will know.