Hickeys are the love bites or kiss bites caused by kissing hard on the skin, causing the blood capillaries to rupture. The blood oozes to the cells around the area and causes blood clots. The blood clots are responsible for the reddish or pinkish bruise, visible on the skin. Hickeys take one to two weeks to heal, no scars are left. Visible hickeys draw stares and giggles causing awkwardness to the person. The idea is to conceal them as much as possible. One can use makeup to hide it or wear protective clothing.
There are several homemade techniques are employed on how to get rid of a hickey. Depending on the severity of the bruise, the healing duration varies. There are cold techniques used. These techniques are used in the first 12 hours of the occurrence. There is also heat involving techniques that should be used after a day or two. Using heat on the hickey sooner, causes skin irritation that could worsen the bruise.
How to get rid of a hickey using Cold Compress
The cold compress method to heal a hickey is by pressing the bruise with a soft cloth containing ice for about 15 minutes repeatedly. Alternatively place a spoon in a freezer for 20 minutes, wrapped a soft fabric around it and press it on the bruise until it is warm. The cold compress is done twice or thrice a day. Cold pressing freezes the blood cells and breaks blood clots thus reducing the swelling and the size of the bruise. Ice should never be placed on the skin directly, it causes frostbite.
How to get rid of a hickey using Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, helps the skin heal quickly. Use an aloe vera gel from the plant or aloe vera based ointment; gently massage it into the affected area 2 to 3 times a day. Banana peels also have soothing effect and cooling. Use the inside peel to cover the bruise for 15 minutes, do it 2 to 3 times a day.
Vitamin K stops blood clots. It speeds up the healing processes of bruises by enabling the body to reabsorb the blood. Use a vitamin K- rich cream to apply to the area twice or thrice a day. Vitamin K rich food such as spinach, broccoli, brown rice and vitamin K supplements are also helpful.
The refreshing effect of the peppermint and mints enhances blood circulation. It cures the capillaries and break the clot. Use peppermint oil, mint-based or peppermint-based toothpaste on the bruise; there will be a tingling sensation. Use a warm moisten clothing to wipe out the toothpaste or oil. This method is done once a day; it is very effective in the first 12 hours of the getting a hickey.
The hot compress is by using a warm clothing on the area. Press warm cloth soaked in hot water on the area for about 20 minutes. The heating effect of the cloth hastens the blood circulation and the reabsorption of the blood thus healing the hickey. This method is recommended after 2 days of hickey emergence.
Eradicate hickeys by use of a coin. It is a painful technique but works efficiently. Use the fingers to pull the skin on the affected area and use the tip of the coin to scrape off the hickey outwards. This technique improves the appearance of the Hickey making it less pronounced. Cylindrical objects like pen or lipstick caps can also be used. Place the cap on the skin and press hard and wind the cap around and clasp in place a few minute then let loose. It helps break down the blood clots.
Massage the area by applying warm cloth. Use two fingers to massage in a circulation motion in one direction. After a while, change to the other direction. Massaging breaks the blood clots and enhances blood circulation.
There are medications that can eliminate the hickey. Aspirin relieves the pain and thins blood, therefore enhancing circulation. Arnica salve is an ointment form arnica medicinal plan. It reduces swelling and restores raptured capillaries. Vitamin K cream lessens the hickey appearance by preventing blood coagulation. Preparation H is an anti-inflammatory.
Hickey eventually disappears no matter how long they take. Make-ups and concealing clothes can be used to cover them before they heal, when one needs to go to work or school.