A common neck mark resulting from sustained suction or kissing is primarily known as a hickey.
A hickey, sometimes referred to by other names, is a type of bruise that occurs when small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin's surface break. These marks are most frequently found on sensitive areas like the neck due to the thinness of the skin and the ease of applying suction.
Beyond "hickey," this distinctive mark is also commonly known as a kiss mark, love bite, bug bite, or love mark. While "bug bite" might seem misleading, it's sometimes used humorously or as a quick, discreet explanation to avoid drawing attention.
Understanding Hickeys: Appearance and Formation
What Does a Hickey Look Like?
Hickeys typically appear as discolored patches on the skin, much like any other bruise.
- Initial Appearance: They might initially be red or purplish as fresh blood pools under the skin.
- Color Progression: Over time, as the bruise heals, their color can shift through various stages, including dark purple, brown, or green, before fading completely.
- Size and Shape: The size and shape can vary from a small, subtle spot to a larger, more prominent mark, depending on the intensity and duration of the suction applied.
How Do Hickeys Form?
Hickeys form when sustained suction is applied to the skin, creating a vacuum that pulls on the skin's surface. If this suction is strong enough, it can cause the delicate capillaries located just beneath the skin's surface to rupture. The leaked blood then pools in the surrounding tissues, resulting in the visible discoloration characteristic of a hickey.
Duration and Management of Neck Marks
How Long Do Hickeys Last?
Like other bruises, hickeys typically take 5 to 12 days to fully heal and fade. The exact duration can vary based on an individual's healing capabilities, skin type, and the severity of the mark. Deeper or larger hickeys tend to last longer.
Practical Tips for Concealing a Neck Mark
While healing is a natural process that takes time, there are several methods to temporarily conceal or help reduce the appearance of a hickey:
- Immediate Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress, ice pack, or even a chilled spoon to the area immediately after the hickey forms can help constrict blood vessels and reduce initial swelling and blood leakage, potentially minimizing the bruise's intensity.
- Warm Compress (After 24-48 Hours): After the first day or two, switching to a warm compress can help improve blood circulation to the area, encouraging the dispersal of pooled blood and promoting faster healing.
- Gentle Massage: Lightly massaging the hickey with your fingers can help break up and disperse the clotted blood. This should be done carefully to avoid causing further damage or irritation.
- Makeup Application: Using color-correcting makeup can be highly effective. A green-tinted color corrector can neutralize the redness or purplish tones of the hickey. Follow this with a flesh-toned concealer and foundation that matches your skin tone for seamless coverage.
- Strategic Clothing and Accessories: High-collared shirts, turtlenecks, scarves, or even strategically styled hair can physically cover a hickey, providing an immediate and effortless solution.
Common Names for Neck Marks (Hickeys)
| Primary Name | Other Common Names | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hickey | Kiss mark, Love bite, Bug bite, Love mark | A type of bruise on the skin, typically on the neck, caused by sustained suction or biting that ruptures small capillaries. |
Related Information and Further Reading
For more detailed information on bruises and their healing process, you can consult reputable health sources such as Mayo Clinic or WebMD.
