A hickey is essentially a hematoma created by sucking or biting the skin until the underlying blood vessels break. It is a "show of love" that generally causes no pain, but is difficult to disguise and can be embarrassing. Like most bruises, even a hickey gradually loses intensity until it disappears within a few days. If you want to get rid of it within a few hours, then put the article's advice into practice in a timely manner. Until it's gone, you can take some tricks to hide it from your parents or teachers.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Treating the Soother in the First 48 Hours
Step 1. Apply a cold compress to the hickey
You can use a simple ice cube wrapped in a handkerchief. Alternatively, you can put a spoon in the refrigerator and then place the back directly on the hematoma.
Step 2. Reapply the tablet several times a day
The cold reduces swelling and slows blood circulation, so thanks to the compress the hematoma will be less noticeable and will disappear faster. Reapply the tablet several times a day for 10-20 minutes at a time.
- Note that the cold compress must be applied within 24-48 hours of the appearance of the hickey.
- Keep the tablet on the hickey for 10-20 minutes, then let the skin rest for at least a quarter of an hour before applying it again.
Step 3. Try to keep your symptoms from getting worse
In certain circumstances, the bruises (in this case the hickey) swell and the healing process slows down. During the 48 hours following the appearance of the pacifier, take precautions not to aggravate the hematoma, for example:
- Don't take a hot shower;
- Don't take a hot bath;
- Do not apply a hot compress to the hickey;
- Don't drink alcohol.
Part 2 of 3: Treat the Soother after the First 48 Hours
Step 1. Leave the cold compress after two days and start applying a warm one
Ice is only effective if used within 48 hours of the hematoma occurring. Starting on the third day, start using a warm compress to speed up the healing of the bruise.
- Cold heals broken blood vessels, while heat increases blood supply. Thanks to the hot compress, blood circulation improves, so the blood is reabsorbed more easily by the tissues and healing occurs more quickly.
- You can use a bottle filled with hot water or a microwaveable compress.
- Do not keep the hot compress in contact with the skin for more than 20 minutes at a time. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, choose a different method of treating the hematoma.
Step 2. Massage the hickey
In addition to treating it with the hot compress, you should massage the hematoma to promote the blood supply. You can massage the hickey with your fingers or you can apply light pressure to the skin using:
- A toothbrush with hard bristles;
- The cap of a pen;
- The cap of the lip balm.
Step 3. Take care of your skin
Cold, heat and massage make the hematoma heal faster, but you must also take care of the skin if you want the pacifier to disappear quickly. There is no remedy that can make it go away instantly, but you can help the skin heal faster. You can help the healing process by using:
- Aloe vera;
- Arnica;
- An ointment for the treatment of hemorrhoids (such as "preparation H");
- A supplement of vitamins C, E and K;
- Blueberry extract;
- Bromelain.
Part 3 of 3: Hide the Soother
Step 1. Try to hide the hickey with your hair
If you have long hair, you can keep it loose to mask the hickey you have on your neck or shoulders. If you don't have long enough hair to hide it, use one of the methods below to prevent your parents or teachers from seeing it.
Step 2. Cover it up with makeup
The hickey will disappear on its own after a few days and until then you can use makeup to make it less visible. Try masking it by using a combination of concealer, foundation, and face powder.
- Find the right color products based on your skin tone.
- For lack of anything else, you can try masking the hickey using toothpaste if you have very fair skin. Evaluate your other options first and only consider this solution as a last resort.
Step 3. Cover the hickey
Depending on the season and your style, you can use a piece of clothing or an accessory to try to hide the bruise. The important thing is to cover it in a way that doesn't attract attention at that point. Try hiding the hickey using:
- A bandage;
- A turtleneck;
- A polo shirt;
- A scarf;
- A hooded sweatshirt;
- A big necklace.
