It is important to clarify that hickeys, commonly known as love bites, do not cause cancer. This article aims to explain the physiological basis of hickeys and the distinct mechanisms of cancer development, showing why these two phenomena are unrelated.
Understanding Hickeys
A hickey is a type of bruise that forms when tiny blood vessels, called capillaries, beneath the skin’s surface rupture. This rupture is typically caused by suction or biting, which applies significant pressure to the skin. The broken capillaries then release small amounts of blood into the surrounding tissue, leading to the characteristic red, purple, or even black discoloration.
Hickeys are considered superficial bruises, meaning they affect only the outermost layers of the skin. The body naturally reabsorbs the blood over time, causing the hickey to change colors—from a dark hue to shades of blue, green, and yellow—before fading completely. Most hickeys typically resolve on their own within 3 to 14 days, with the exact duration depending on the severity of the initial suction and individual healing capabilities.
How Cancer Develops
Cancer is a complex disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. This cellular malfunction originates from changes or mutations in the DNA within cells, which act as instructions for cell function, growth, and division. Normal cells grow and divide only when needed, replacing old or damaged cells, but cancer cells disregard these regulatory signals.
These DNA mutations can arise from various factors, including inherited genetic predispositions, exposure to certain environmental carcinogens like tobacco smoke or ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or errors that occur during normal cell division. Unlike a hickey, which is a localized and temporary physical injury, cancer involves a fundamental alteration in cellular behavior that leads to persistent, abnormal proliferation and potential invasion of other tissues. The underlying processes are fundamentally different, with hickeys being a transient vascular event and cancer being a disease of genetic and cellular dysregulation.
Other Health Considerations
While hickeys do not lead to cancer, there are a few minor, non-cancer-related health considerations associated with them. The most common effects are temporary skin discoloration and mild tenderness in the affected area. In rare instances, excessive force or broken skin during the creation of a hickey could potentially lead to skin irritation or even a localized infection.
Individuals taking blood thinners may experience larger or longer-lasting hickeys due to increased bruising. There have been extremely rare documented cases where intense pressure on the neck’s carotid artery, a major blood vessel supplying the brain, has been linked to the formation of a blood clot that could potentially lead to a stroke. If a hickey is unusually sore, does not fade within a couple of weeks, or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is advisable.