Skin marks can sometimes cause concern. Not all red or purplish marks are hickeys, and understanding different skin marks can alleviate unnecessary worry.
Understanding a Hickey
A hickey, also known as a love bite or kiss mark, is essentially a bruise that forms on the skin. It occurs when intense suction or biting breaks small blood vessels, called capillaries, just beneath the skin’s surface. This causes blood to leak into the surrounding tissue, creating a visible discoloration. Hickeys typically appear as dark red or purple marks, commonly found on the neck, but can occur anywhere on the body where sufficient suction is applied. Like other bruises, hickeys change color as they heal, progressing from reddish-purple to shades of blue, green, and yellow before fading completely.
Common Look-Alikes
Many skin marks can be mistaken for hickeys due to their similar appearance and red or purple discoloration. Accidental bruises from bumps or minor trauma are frequent look-alikes. While a hickey is a type of bruise caused by suction, other bruises form from impact or pressure, such as bumping into an object. Both involve bleeding under the skin, making their initial appearance similar.
Petechiae are another type of mark that can resemble hickeys; they are tiny, pinpoint red or purple spots. They result from broken capillaries, similar to hickeys, but often appear in clusters from straining (e.g., coughing or vomiting), medical conditions, or medications. Unlike hickeys, petechiae are smaller and do not result from localized suction.
Various rashes can mimic a hickey. Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, leading to localized redness, swelling, or blisters, which can be confused with a hickey. Hives (urticaria) are raised red welts, often from allergic reactions, which can cluster and resemble a hickey. Other rashes, like fungal infections (e.g., ringworm) or systemic conditions such as lupus, can also present with red or purple marks.
Bug bites are a common source of hickey-like marks. Mosquito, spider, or bed bug bites can cause red, swollen, and sometimes itchy spots. While individual bites are smaller and more distinct than a hickey, a cluster might create a larger area of discoloration resembling one. Certain birthmarks or moles, particularly those with a reddish or purplish hue, can sometimes be mistaken for hickeys. However, these are typically present from birth or early childhood and do not appear suddenly.
Distinguishing Features
Distinguishing a hickey from other skin marks involves observing several characteristics. The mark’s shape offers a clue; hickeys are typically oval or circular, reflecting the shape of a mouth, while accidental bruises can be irregular. Its color evolution is also telling; like other bruises, hickeys change from red/purple to green and yellow as they heal.
Accompanying symptoms are a significant differentiator. Hickeys are generally not painful and do not itch or cause discomfort, though they might feel mildly tender initially. In contrast, many rashes, such as contact dermatitis or hives, often cause intense itching, burning, or pain. Bug bites almost always cause itching, sometimes with a raised, swollen area.
The mark’s texture also provides insight. Hickeys are smooth, though they might be slightly raised initially. Rashes, however, can be scaly, bumpy, blistered, or ooze fluid.
The mark’s context is crucial. Hickeys result from deliberate suction; other bruises occur from accidental impact. Consider any recent injury, allergen exposure, or insect activity that could explain the mark.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While most hickey-like marks are harmless and resolve on their own, certain signs indicate medical attention may be necessary. Consult a healthcare professional if a mark persists for more than two weeks, grows larger, or changes unexpectedly. Marks appearing without clear cause, especially if widespread or accompanied by other symptoms, warrant evaluation.
Specific symptoms that should prompt a medical visit include unexplained bruising that occurs easily or frequently, widespread tiny red or purple spots (petechiae) without a known cause, or a rash accompanied by fever, fatigue, or joint pain. If the mark becomes increasingly painful, swollen, warm, or shows signs of infection like pus or crusting, seek professional medical advice. These symptoms could indicate an underlying medical condition requiring diagnosis and treatment.