To make a hickey go away faster, you can try several remedies that help reduce swelling, promote blood flow, and speed healing. However, keep in mind that a hickey is essentially a bruise, and it typically takes about 7 to 12 days to fully heal. Here are effective methods to help it fade more quickly:
Immediate Actions (First 48 Hours)
- Apply a cold compress or chilled spoon: Use a cold spoon (kept in the freezer for 30 minutes) or an ice pack on the hickey for about 10 minutes several times a day to reduce blood flow and swelling
- Avoid irritating the area: Don’t scratch or aggressively rub the hickey initially as it may worsen the bruise
After 48 Hours
- Switch to warm compresses: Applying a warm cloth or heating pad can increase blood circulation to help clear away the pooled blood
- Massage gently: Massaging from the center outward can help disperse the blood trapped under the skin, but be gentle to avoid skin damage
Additional Remedies
- Topical treatments: Use arnica gel or cream and vitamin K cream, which may help the bruise heal faster
- Natural options: Aloe vera gel can soothe the skin and promote healing, and rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the hickey is said to help due to antioxidants and vitamins
- Diet: Eating fresh pineapple (which contains bromelain) and vitamin K-rich foods like kale and spinach may support bruise healing internally
Other Tips
- Promote circulation carefully: Some suggest using a soft-bristled toothbrush to stimulate blood flow gently, but avoid causing pain or skin damage
- Cover-up: If you need to hide the hickey temporarily, use green/yellow color corrector and concealer or a scarf
Medical Options
- Laser treatment: For rapid removal, some dermatologists offer laser therapy to break down the bruise faster, but this can be costly and requires professional care
Summary
No method will make a hickey vanish instantly, but combining cold compresses early on, warm compresses later, gentle massage, topical creams, and proper nutrition can reduce healing time by a few days
. If the hickey worsens, causes severe pain, or does not improve in a couple of weeks, consult a healthcare professional.
