To make a hickey go away fast, you can try several methods to reduce swelling, promote healing, and minimize its appearance, although it typically takes about 7 to 12 days for a hickey to fully heal:
Immediate Actions (First 12-24 Hours)
- Cold compress or ice pack: Apply a cold pack, ice wrapped in a cloth, or a cold spoon (chilled in the freezer) to the hickey as soon as possible. This helps constrict blood vessels, reduce bleeding under the skin, and decrease inflammation and pain
After 48 Hours
- Warm compresses: Once the bruise has set, apply warm compresses or a warm washcloth several times a day to increase blood flow and help clear trapped blood from the area, speeding healing
- Massage: Gently massage the hickey from the center outward to encourage blood circulation and disperse clotted blood. Some people use a soft toothbrush or the eraser end of a pencil to stimulate circulation, but be gentle to avoid skin damage
Topical Treatments
- Arnica cream or gel: Apply arnica, a natural anti-inflammatory herb, which may reduce swelling and bruising when used daily
- Vitamin K or C creams: These vitamins help the body absorb blood clots and repair skin, so topical application may speed up healing
- Aloe vera gel: Soothes the skin and may promote faster healing
- Banana peel massage: Rubbing the inside of a banana peel on the hickey for 15-20 minutes may help due to antioxidants and vitamins in the peel
Dietary Support
- Eat fresh pineapple: Contains bromelain, an enzyme that can help reduce bruising
- Consume vitamin K-rich foods: Such as kale, spinach, broccoli, and brown rice to support clot absorption and healing
Additional Tips
- Avoid essential oils: They may irritate sensitive skin and worsen the appearance
- Rest and avoid irritating the area: Do not pick or scratch the hickey to prevent worsening it
- Conceal with makeup: For immediate appearance concerns, use color correctors (green) and concealer to cover the hickey effectively
- Laser treatment: A medical option that can speed healing but is costly and requires professional care
No method will make a hickey disappear instantly, but combining these approaches can help it fade faster and reduce discomfort
