A hickey, also known as a love bite, is a common type of bruise that forms on the skin. It results from intense suction, often during kissing or biting, which causes small blood vessels just beneath the surface to break. While generally considered harmless and temporary, there are extremely rare instances where a hickey could theoretically lead to serious health complications. This article explores the physiological basis of hickeys and the unusual circumstances under which they might pose a risk.
Understanding a Hickey
A hickey is a superficial skin injury, a form of bruise. When suction is applied, tiny blood vessels called capillaries, just below the surface, can rupture. This allows blood to leak into surrounding tissues, creating a visible mark. The characteristic dark red or purple discoloration of a hickey is due to this pooled blood.
As the body reabsorbs the leaked blood, the bruise changes color, progressing from dark red or purple to shades of blue, green, and yellow before fading completely. This healing process usually takes anywhere from a few days to two weeks, depending on the severity of the initial suction. Most hickeys are benign and temporary, resolving without intervention.
The Rare Risk of Stroke
While hickeys are generally harmless, extremely rare case reports link them to serious medical events, specifically ischemic stroke. This occurs when intense suction on the neck causes trauma to the carotid artery. These major blood vessels, located on either side of the neck, supply blood to the brain, face, and neck.
Vigorous pressure in this area can, in rare instances, lead to a tear in the inner lining of the carotid artery, known as carotid artery dissection. This damage can create a site where a blood clot may form. If this clot detaches and travels to the brain, it can block blood flow, resulting in an ischemic stroke. Such occurrences are exceptionally uncommon and not a typical consequence of a hickey.
Identifying Concerning Symptoms
Despite the extreme rarity of serious complications, be aware of symptoms warranting immediate medical attention after a hickey. These signs are consistent with a stroke or a serious vascular event. You might experience sudden weakness or numbness, often affecting one side of the body. Speech can also be affected, leading to difficulty speaking or understanding others.
Other symptoms include sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight in one eye. A severe headache that appears suddenly and without explanation, along with dizziness or a sudden loss of balance and coordination, are also concerning. These symptoms indicate a potential medical emergency requiring prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Seeking Professional Help
If any severe neurological symptoms appear after a hickey, seek immediate medical attention. These signs, such as sudden weakness, speech difficulties, vision changes, or an unexplained severe headache, indicate a potential emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Beyond these acute symptoms, consult a healthcare professional if a hickey exhibits unusual characteristics. This includes a bruise that is excessively sore, does not fade after a couple of weeks, or has a lump. Additionally, if other unexplained bruises appear on the body without a known cause, seek medical advice. Prioritizing health and safety is always advisable.