We often give each other hickeys as a sign of love and affection. But do hickeys cause cancer? You’ve probably heard this rumor before, but is it true?
Well, it’s not. Hickey does not give you cancer or any dangerous health condition. Yes, it leaves a mark behind that can turn into a scar if you don’t take care of it. Some people love to keep them untreated to cherish the memory of intimate times.
This blog post will explore what a hickey can do and what you can do to prevent it. We’ll also discuss how to give and receive hickeys safely.
Read on to learn about “can hickeys be dangerous or not.”
Table of Content
Can You Get Cancer From Hickeys?
The short answer is no. No scientific evidence supports the claim that hickeys can give you cancer.
However, some believe that because hickeys are made by sucking on the skin, they can cause broken blood vessels.
When these broken blood vessels heal, they can form a scar. There is a widespread belief that these scars could eventually lead to cancer. And still, the statement is not yet supported by medical science.
So, if you’re worried about getting cancer from a hickey, you can rest assured knowing it’s not possible.
Do Hickeys Cause Cancer on Breast?
Usually, hickeys appear on the neck, but they can also appear on other body parts, like the breast. Again, there is no direct evidence that simple hickeys on breast cause cancer.
However, some concern exists about a possible link between hickey on breast meaning and cancer.
One study found that women who had hickeys on their breasts were more likely to develop breast cancer. But don’t get scared; they are linked with underlying causes like breast tumors and infection.
Having some love bites or hickey-like spots doesn’t mean you are at risk of cancer. But according to some health professionals, a long-lasting hickey on the breast can signify Paget’s disease.
It’s a rare cancer type, so it’s unlikely that your hickey is a sign of cancer. It’s always best to get checked by a doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts.
Just to be safe!
Are There Other Health Concerns With Hickeys?
Hickeys are usually harmless, but there are some potential health risks. For example, if the hickey is on your neck, it could obstruct your airway.
It is a rare incident, but it’s something to be aware of; if you have a hickey on your neck and you start having difficulty breathing, You should seek medical attention immediately.
Another potential health concern with hickeys is that they can cause infections. The reason is bacteria can enter the broken skin and cause an infection.
You should see a doctor immediately if you notice any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus.
Hickeys Can Lead to a Scar
As we mentioned before, hickeys can leave a scar behind. This is more likely to happen if the hickey is particularly large or deep.
To avoid a scar, try using a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can also massage the area with lotion to help stimulate blood flow.
If the scar is still visible after a few weeks, you can consult a dermatologist about possible treatment options.
Hickeys Can Transmit Oral Herpes
Hickeys can also transmit oral herpes, a virus that causes sores around the mouth. If you have oral herpes, you may develop cold sores around your mouth.
To avoid transmitting this virus, avoid giving hickeys to anyone with open wounds or sores around their mouth. You should also avoid sharing lip balm, toothbrushes, or other items with someone with oral herpes.
When a Hickey Isn’t Just a Hickey
Despite the lack of danger associated with hickeys, there may be some justification for worries that these love bites may pose health risks.
Bruising and discoloration all over the body, also known as erythema nodosum, can signify several systemic disorders.
- Bacterial Infection
- Tuberculosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Thrombocytopenia
- Fungal Infection
- Sarcoidosis
Hickeys only appear after a particular action, but the illnesses above may cause similar symptoms.
Idiopathic symptom development alongside additional symptoms is required for clinical significance. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- A hickey that lasts longer than two weeks
- A hickey that’s bigger than a quarter
- A hickey that’s on your eyelid or lip
- A hickey that’s accompanied by a fever, headache, or nausea
How to Avoid a Hickey?
Why do people give hickeys? Of course, to show affection and passion during lovemaking. But sometimes, that much passion may lead to socially embarrassing situations.
So, what to do to avoid hickey? There are a few things you can do to prevent it.
- You can use a soft cloth to protect the area where you’ll be kissed. This will help prevent the skin from breaking and forming a hickey.
- Ask your partner to avoid sucking on the skin too hard. This will also help prevent a hickey from forming.
- Try to give your partner a hickey in a different spot each time. This will help reduce the risk of developing a scar.
Tips for Getting Rid of a Hickey
If you get a hickey, you can do a few things to help it heal.
- You can apply a cold compress to the area. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
- You can also try to massage the area. This will help promote blood flow and help the hickey heal faster.
- You can apply a topical ointment to the area. This will help keep the skin moisturized and prevent scabbing.
Final Words
Although hickeys can be humiliating and sometimes painful, they are typically not harmful. They pose no health risks and will not cause cancer. Hickeys have been linked to very uncommon instances of blood clotting issues.
But do hickeys give you cancer? It’s very unlikely. You need to ensure one thing – regular checks by your doctor. It will provide only the memory of intimate time lats, not the hickey.
