That hickey on your neck might serve as a nostalgic reminder of your make-out session with that hottie from the bar, but it’s not exactly appropriate for that Monday morning meeting with clients.
Yes, hickeys are harmless, for the most part. They’re just broken blood vessels under the skin that leave a reddish bruise. But they can last for several days and if they’re on a conspicuous location, such as your neck, you may not be able to hide them easily. Start by trying these tricks.
1. Address the swelling.
Apply a cold washcloth or an ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a towel to the hickey for 15 to 20 minutes. You can also try applying a cold spoon. This may stop the bleeding and reduce the swelling. Avoid putting ice directly on the hickey as it can damage your skin.
2. Take ibuprofen.
Over-the-counter pain medication can help with swelling and pain.
3. Take extra vitamins.
If you already take a multivitamin, ask your doctor if you can supplement with vitamins C and K for a couple of days. (Yes, it’s possible to overdose on vitamins.) Vitamin C helps your body make collagen, which helps maintain healthy blood vessels, skin and cartilage. It’s also essential for wound healing. You can also consume extra vitamin C through citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, red and green peppers, and fortified cereals. Vitamin K also helps with wound healing and blood clotting.
You can take a supplement or consumer more vitamin K by eating leafy greens, such as spinach and broccoli, blueberries, figs, grapes, soybean oil, canola oil, eggs, meat, and dairy products. There has been some evidence to support the benefits of vitamin K in cream format. A 2002 study looked at the use of topical vitamin K after laser treatment for spider veins. The researchers found that the cream produced reduced bruising compared to those who used a placebo cream after the laser treatment.
With these remedies, no one will notice a hickey.
