To remove or reduce the appearance of a hickey, which is essentially a bruise caused by broken blood vessels under the skin, you can try several home remedies to speed up healing:
- Apply a cold compress immediately: Use ice wrapped in a cloth or a cold spoon on the hickey for about 10 minutes several times a day during the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and slow blood flow under the skin
- Switch to warm compresses after 48 hours: Applying heat increases blood circulation, which helps clear away the pooled blood. Use a warm cloth or heating pad for 10 minutes several times a day
- Massage the area gently: Lightly massaging the hickey can help break up the blood clot and improve circulation, but avoid pressing too hard to prevent worsening the bruise
- Use topical treatments: Applying creams or gels with arnica, vitamin K, aloe vera, or vitamin C may promote faster healing of the bruise
- Try natural remedies: Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the hickey for 15-20 minutes or using diluted peppermint essential oil in a massage may also help speed recovery
- Cover up if needed: Makeup like concealer, primer, and translucent powder or clothing like scarves and turtlenecks can hide the hickey while it heals
- Be patient: Hickeys usually take a few days to two weeks to fully heal, depending on severity
If the hickey is severe, very painful, or does not improve, consult a healthcare professional. Laser treatments are also an option for faster removal but should be done by experienced providers
. In summary, immediate cold compresses followed by warm compresses, gentle massage, topical treatments, and patience are the best ways to remove a hickey faster.
