A love bite, commonly referred to as a hickey, is a temporary mark or bruise caused by sucking or biting on the skin with enough force to break the small blood vessels (capillaries) beneath the surface. This leads to a red or purplish bruise, which fades away over time. While it’s often considered a playful or romantic gesture, the mark can sometimes be unwanted or embarrassing, particularly if it’s in a visible area like the neck.
How to Give a Love Bite
If you want to give a love bite, follow these steps carefully to ensure it’s a comfortable experience for both partners:
Choose the Spot: Areas with thin and sensitive skin like the neck, shoulders, and collarbone are popular spots for love bites. Make sure both parties are comfortable with the chosen area.
Apply Suction: Place your lips gently on the skin and suck with moderate pressure for 20–30 seconds. It’s important to create a tight seal with your lips to concentrate the suction in one spot.
Add Gentle Biting (Optional): You can enhance the effect with a light bite, but be sure to communicate with your partner to avoid any discomfort or pain.
Massage the Area: After the love bite, gently rub or massage the area to reduce any excessive bruising. You can also apply a cold compress to minimize the redness.
Side Effects of Love Bites
Although love bites are mostly harmless, there are a few side effects to be aware of:
Visible Bruising: Love bites are essentially bruises, and they can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks depending on skin type. They are highly visible, which may cause embarrassment in public or professional settings.
Skin Irritation: If the skin is sensitive or the bite is too aggressive, it may lead to irritation, redness, or even scarring in rare cases.
Health Risks: While uncommon, love bites have been associated with minor health risks. In very rare cases, a love bite could lead to blood clotting or injury to blood vessels, particularly in people with underlying health conditions.
Emotional Impact: Some people might feel uncomfortable having a visible love bite, as it can attract unwanted attention or judgment from others.
At VivanHospital, we encourage individuals to be mindful when engaging in such acts, as excessive pressure or repeated bites can lead to complications. If you experience prolonged pain, excessive bruising, or other skin-related issues after a love bite, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider. VivanHospital is here to offer expert advice and care for your skin health, ensuring safe and effective treatment for any concerns.
Dr. Saatiish Jhuntrraa, CEO & Director Vivan hospital is a nationally recognized specialist in Sexology. He has more than 34 years of intensive practice experience. Over this period he has treated about 30,000 patients. In last few years, he has given online consultation to more than 3000 patients from around the world.
Dr. Viniita Jhuntrraa, is a reputed and highly experienced Sexologist and expert Gynaecologist. Dr. Viniita Jhuntrraa have 28 Years Experience.