A hickey is a temporary mark on the skin that results from intense suction or biting. There is no scientific evidence to support any direct link between hickeys and the development of cancer. This article will explore the physiological nature of hickeys and provide a scientific perspective on why they are not associated with cancer, along with other minor health considerations.
What is a Hickey?
A hickey is a type of bruise that forms when small blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface are broken. The pressure from suction or biting causes these tiny capillaries to rupture, allowing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue and creating the characteristic red or purple discoloration. As the hickey heals, the body naturally reabsorbs the pooled blood, leading to a gradual change in color before fading completely. This healing process is similar to that of any other bruise, indicating a superficial injury.
Hickeys and Cancer: The Scientific Perspective
Hickeys do not cause cancer. Cancer is fundamentally a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, originating from damage or mutations in a cell’s DNA. These genetic changes can be triggered by specific environmental factors known as carcinogens, such as certain chemicals, radiation, or viruses like human papillomavirus (HPV).
A hickey, by contrast, is a superficial physical trauma to the skin, akin to any common bruise. It involves the mechanical rupture of tiny blood vessels, not the alteration of cellular DNA or the initiation of abnormal cell proliferation. The process of bruising does not induce the genetic mutations required for cancerous transformation. There are no scientific studies or documented case reports that establish a causal link between hickeys and any form of cancer. Medical experts emphasize that the biological mechanisms behind a bruise and the complex processes of carcinogenesis are distinctly different.
Other Health Considerations
While hickeys do not lead to cancer, they are temporary bruises that typically fade within a few days to two weeks. The primary impact of a hickey is usually cosmetic, involving temporary skin discoloration. Like any bruise, they may cause mild tenderness or discomfort. In very rare instances, hickeys have been associated with the transmission of skin infections, specifically the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), if an active cold sore is present and the skin is broken. Extremely rare cases of blood clot formation leading to stroke have been reported when hickeys are aggressively applied over major arteries in the neck, such as the carotid artery. These incidents usually involve individuals with pre-existing conditions.