A hickey results from suction or biting, creating a distinctive mark on the skin. While generally harmless, questions arise regarding potential complications. Understanding their formation clarifies why concerns about infection can emerge.
What a Hickey Is
A hickey is medically classified as a contusion, or bruise. This mark forms when suction or biting damages tiny blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the skin’s surface. When these capillaries rupture, blood leaks into surrounding tissues, becoming visible as a discolored mark.
The appearance of a hickey typically evolves through various color stages, similar to other bruises. Initially, it might appear reddish due to fresh blood, then progress to purplish or dark blue as oxygen is depleted from the blood. Over several days, the mark usually shifts to greenish-yellow before fading completely as the body reabsorbs the leaked blood. These marks commonly appear on soft-skinned areas such as the neck or inner arm.
When Hickies Become Infected
While relatively infrequent, a hickey can indeed become infected. The skin acts as a protective barrier, and any trauma, even the suction causing a hickey, can subtly compromise this defense. This compromise creates a potential entry point for bacteria naturally present on the skin or transferred from the mouth. When these bacteria enter the compromised area, they can multiply, leading to an infection.
Recognizing the signs of an infected hickey is important, as they differ from the normal healing process of a bruise. An infected hickey may show increasing redness that extends beyond the original mark, accompanied by noticeable warmth to the touch. Swelling around the area might also increase, and the site can become increasingly tender or painful. The presence of pus or a cloudy discharge from the area is a clear indicator of bacterial infection. In some cases, a person might develop a fever, observe red streaks spreading away from the hickey, or experience swollen lymph nodes in the vicinity, indicating a more widespread infection.
Managing and Preventing Infection
Managing an infected hickey involves general wound care and knowing when to seek medical attention. Keep the affected area clean by gently washing it with mild soap and water. Avoid picking or scratching the hickey, as this can irritate the skin and introduce more bacteria. A cool compress can reduce swelling and discomfort, but it does not treat the underlying infection.
If signs of infection like increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever appear, medical consultation is recommended. A healthcare provider can diagnose the infection and prescribe appropriate treatment, often antibiotics. To prevent hickey infections, practice good hygiene. Ensure skin is clean before and after suction to reduce bacterial load, and avoid excessive force that could break the skin.