It’s pretty normal for youngsters to get a hickey in the heat of the moment. Some people get it intentionally while some others get it unintentionally. You may have also got one and felt guilty after getting it. Isn’t it? Now, you must be wondering – How long does a hickey last?
Hickeys, those passionate love marks or inadvertent signs of a momentary lapse in self-control, can be a cause of concern for many individuals. If you’ve found yourself with an unplanned hickey and are curious about its duration when left untreated, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore the lifespan of a hickey when no specific treatment is applied and discuss some natural ways to expedite its healing process. Before we delve into the topic, let’s briefly understand what a hickey is?
Commonly known as a love bite or kiss mark, a hickey occurs when someone applies suction or bites on the skin, causing blood vessels beneath the surface to rupture and leak blood into the surrounding tissues. This results in a discoloration that can range from pinkish-red to purplish-blue, resembling a bruise. While hickeys are commonly associated with the neck, they can appear on other parts of the body as well.
The worst thing about hickeys is you have to hide them from your parents to avoid the scolding or embarrassment and also from your friends or colleagues until they vanish completely.
Now, let’s address the burning question: How long does a hickey last if left untreated?
How long does a hickey last if left untreated?
Typically, an untreated hickey will gradually fade away on its own over time. The duration can vary from person to person, but it generally ranges from a few days to two weeks. However, certain factors can influence the lifespan of a hickey, even if left untreated.
One significant factor is the severity of the hickey. The more intense the suction or biting, the deeper the blood vessels are damaged, and subsequently, the longer it may take for the hickey to fade away. Additionally, individual factors such as skin sensitivity and overall health can affect the healing process.
When a hickey is left untreated, there are no specific remedies or magical potions that can make it disappear instantaneously. However, there are natural methods you can employ to potentially speed up the healing process.
I have a friend who said that her hickey lasted for a month. Like seriously? She was making a fool out of me. This is next to IMPOSSIBLE.
Because a hickey will last only for 7-14 days depending on the severity of the hickey and your body’s healing power. Hickeys aren’t dangerous and will not leave permanent marks on your skin.
It’ll heal just like any other bruise you get. The blood clotted in the tissue around hickey area will slowly spread into the surrounding tissue, disperse and will be dissolved and absorbed slowly. Although your body will heal up the hickey itself, yet you can speed up the recovery process by following some home remedies to get rid of hickeys.
Sooner you use home remedies to get rid of love bite, sooner the hickey will be healed. Below are some tips to get rid of a hickey.
Tips to Get Rid of Hickey
- Apply a cold compress: Shortly after getting a hickey, applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth can help reduce swelling and constrict blood vessels. This may minimize the size and intensity of the hickey.
- Use warm compresses after 48 hours: After the initial swelling has subsided, you can switch to warm compresses to improve blood circulation in the affected area. This can potentially aid in the healing process.
- Massage the hickey gently: Massaging the hickey with your fingers in a circular motion can help disperse the trapped blood and encourage faster healing. Be gentle to avoid further irritation.
- Arnica gel or cream: Applying arnica-based gels or creams topically may help reduce bruising and inflammation. Arnica is a herb known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Give it time: Ultimately, time is the most crucial factor in the healing of a hickey. While you may feel self-conscious about its visibility, rest assured that it will gradually fade away.
It’s important to note that everyone’s body is different, and the effectiveness of these natural remedies may vary. If you have any concerns or the hickey lasts longer than expected, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
Concluding Words
After reading the article, you must have got the answer to your query – How long does a hickey last? Next time, be careful before your partner gives you a hickey.
While there are no quick fixes to make a hickey disappear instantly, you can try natural remedies such as cold and warm compresses, gentle massage, and arnica-based gels or creams to potentially expedite the healing process. Remember to embrace patience and allow your body’s natural healing mechanisms to take their course.
Don’t forget to share the article with your needy friends. If you’ve any query related to the topic – Feel free to ask us in the comments below.
And if you’ve all the luck, then you’ll have it. 🙂
Share your thoughts on how long does a hickey last if left untreated in comment section below!
FAQ’s – About how long does a hickey last?
Is it true that people with iron deficiency get hickeys easily?
Are hickeys dangerous?
Is there any sure-fire way to cure hickeys?
Can love bites cause stroke?
The reason behind it is – The love bite created a blood clot in her neck which resulted in the stroke, and paralyzed her left arm. Though this is the only reported hickey induced stroke and you never know when the next one can strike.
Is it mean to give your partner a hickey?
