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How to Get Rid of a Hickey
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Accidents happen, and a passionate kiss can lead to that telltale mark of love: a hickey.
Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do about this affliction. A hickey is nothing more
than a bruise, and like all bruises it just needs some time to heal. You can, however, try a
few tricks to make it fade faster.
Instructions
•
STEP 1: Apply a cold compress immediately (although that may interrupt a
moment of passion). Keep the compress on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes. The cold
will constrict blood vessels and help keep the bruise from spreading.
•
STEP 2: If the hickey lasts for more than 48 hours, apply wet, warm compresses
to decrease any pain or swelling. Once the blood has stopped spreading around
the bruise, apply heat, which dilates blood vessels and thus speeds up the
sweeping away of blood cells. In most cases, moist heat is more effective than dry
heat, because the moisture helps wick the heat beneath the skin.
•
STEP 3: Apply concealer in a shade that's lighter than your natural skin color and
discreet enough to fend off unwanted attention.
• STEP 4: Remember that if all else fails, nothing beats a turtleneck sweater - or a
scarf in summer.
Tips & Warnings
• To avoid getting a hickey in the first place, kiss a little more gently.
