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A hickey, also known as a "love bite" or "kiss mark," is a bruise that occurs when the suction from a person's mouth damages the blood vessels just under the skin. Hickeys will be caused by kissing or sucking on the skin with sufficient force to break small blood vessels, which causes blood to leak out and accumulate under the skin. The resulting bruise is commonly red or purple in color and may take a number of days or perhaps a week or to fully heal.  
  
Hickeys can occur wherever on the body, but they are most commonly discovered on the neck, chest, and interior arm. They can be caused by both romantic partners as well as friends and relations who are being playful. Some people enjoy giving and receiving hickeys as a form of sexual expression, while others might find them painful or embarrassing.  
  
One common idea is that hickeys are a way for an individual to say ownership over their partner, marking them as "taken." Nonetheless, this concept is just not supported by scientific evidence and is often considered as sexist and outdated.  
  
It is also essential to note that hickeys can typically be mistaken for signs of abuse, particularly in cases where the particular person has a number of hickeys or where the hickeys are located in places that are not often visible. It is essential to always communicate overtly and honestly with your partner about any form of physical intimacy, including hickeys, to make sure that everyone seems to be comfortable and consents to the activity.  
  
Hickeys can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, corresponding to a blood clotting dysfunction or a bleeding disorder. In rare cases, hickeys will also be a symptom of a more critical condition resembling a brain tumor or an aneurysm.  
  
In terms of treating hickeys, there isn't a certainfire way to eliminate them quickly. Some people might find that using a cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, will help to reduce the swelling and pain related with hickeys. Over-the-counter pain relievers corresponding to ibuprofen also can help to alleviate any discomfort.  
  
It is also been said that making use of a warm compress, comparable to a warm water bottle or a heating pad, will help to increase blood flow to the affected area and speed up the healing process.  
  
Some folks use make-up to cover up hickeys. This generally is a good answer for many who need to conceal the bruise for a particular event or for individuals who really feel self-aware about the hickey. Nevertheless, it is vital to keep in mind that make-up should not be used to hide hickeys in cases where the individual didn't give consent for the hickey to be given, as this could be mistaken as a sign of abuse.  
  
Overall, hickeys are a standard and relatively harmless form of physical intimacy. Nonetheless, it's important to recollect to always talk overtly and truthfully with your partner and to seek medical attention should you experience any uncommon symptoms or if a hickey doesn't heal in a reasonable amount of time.