A hickey, also known as a love bite or bruise, is a type of skin discoloration caused by intense suction or kissing on the skin. It occurs when small blood vessels near the skin’s surface are broken, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissue. Hickeys can range in color from red to purple to black and typically fade within a few days to a week.
While hickeys are generally harmless, some people may want to avoid them for cosmetic reasons or because they can be painful. There are several ways to prevent hickeys, including: