7 Scientifically-Backed Ways To Get Rid Of A Hickey (Chupetón) FAST In 2025

Finding a hickey, or 'chupetón' as it's known in Spanish, on your neck can be a moment of sudden panic, especially if you have a big event or a professional meeting the next day. As of late 2025, the good news is that while there is no true "instant fix," there are several scientifically-backed, updated, and highly effective methods you can use to drastically speed up the healing process and make that mark disappear much faster than the typical two weeks.

This deep-dive guide cuts through the common myths to deliver the most current, medically-sound, and practical strategies. We'll explore the best remedies, the optimal timing for each treatment, and the scientific reason why that passionate mark appears—and how your body naturally gets rid of it.

The Scientific Breakdown: What a Hickey Really Is and How It Heals

To understand como quitar un chupeton rapido (how to quickly remove a hickey), you must first understand what it is. A hickey is essentially a superficial bruise, or a small hematoma, caused by intense suction on the skin.

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• The Cause: The suction breaks tiny blood vessels beneath the skin's surface, known as capillaries. The blood leaks out of the broken capillaries and pools under the skin, creating the visible red or purple mark.
• The Duration: On average, a hickey can last anywhere from 5 days to 2 weeks, depending on the severity and your body's natural healing capabilities.

The 4 Stages of Hickey Healing (The Color Code)

The key to topical authority is knowing the healing stages. Your body's process of reabsorbing the trapped blood causes the mark to change color. Understanding these color changes helps you know which treatment to use at which stage:

• Stage 1 (Day 1-2): Red/Dark Purple: Freshly pooled blood. This is the time for cold treatment.
• Stage 2 (Day 2-5): Blue/Black: Deoxygenated blood is prominent. This is the transition time to warm treatment and massage.
• Stage 3 (Day 5-7): Green/Yellow: The body is breaking down the hemoglobin into biliverdin and bilirubin (pigments). This is the best time for topical creams and heat.
• Stage 4 (Day 7+): Fading Yellow/Brown: The final stages before the mark completely disappears.

7 Proven Strategies to Accelerate Hickey Removal

These methods are designed to either stop the bleeding immediately or boost blood circulation to help the body reabsorb the pooled blood (hematoma) faster.

1. The Cold Compress (The First 48 Hours)

This is the most critical first step for a brand-new hickey. Applying cold immediately will constrict the broken capillaries, slowing the flow of blood and minimizing the size and darkness of the bruise.

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• How to Do It: Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel, a chilled spoon (place it in the freezer for 10 minutes), or a cold compress.
• Application: Apply for 10–20 minutes at a time, several times a day.

2. The Warm Compress and Massage (After 48 Hours)

Once the initial bleeding has stopped (after about two days), you must switch to heat. A warm compress opens up the blood vessels, increasing blood flow (circulation) to the area. This helps disperse the trapped blood and encourages the body to break down the clot faster.

• How to Do It: Soak a washcloth in warm (not hot) water. Wring it out and apply it to the hickey.
• Application: After applying the heat for 5-10 minutes, gently massage the area in a circular motion with your fingertips. Use light pressure, moving from the center of the hickey outward to help push the blood away.

3. Topical Creams: Arnica and Vitamin K

Certain topical ointments are widely recommended for treating bruises, and hickeys are no exception. These are key entities for fast removal.

• Arnica Cream: Derived from the Arnica montana flower, this cream is a popular homeopathic remedy known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce swelling and speed up the healing of bruises.
• Vitamin K Cream: Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. Topical application may help the body reabsorb the pooled blood more efficiently.
• Application: Apply the cream 2–4 times a day, gently rubbing it into the hickey.

4. The Toothbrush or Coin Scraping Technique (Use with Caution)

This is a popular, yet controversial, method that aims to disperse the blood clot by physical force. It must be done gently to avoid causing further damage or irritation.

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• The Coin Method: Stretch the skin around the hickey taut. Use the edge of a large coin to gently scrape the hickey outward, away from the center. This physically pushes the pooled blood to the surrounding tissues.
• The Toothbrush Method: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the hickey for a few minutes. This stimulates blood flow (circulation) without the scraping risk.
• Warning: Apply light pressure only. Excessive force will make the bruise worse.

5. The Power of Bromelain (Pineapple)

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. It is often used to reduce swelling and bruising after surgery.

• How to Do It: Apply a slice of fresh pineapple directly to the hickey for about 10 minutes, four or five times a day.
• Alternative: Take an oral Bromelain supplement, which may also aid in the body's natural bruise-healing process.

6. Aloe Vera and Vitamin C

For skin health and repair, Aloe Vera and Vitamin C are excellent supporting entities. Aloe Vera has soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities that can reduce sensitivity and swelling. Vitamin C is crucial for collagen production and capillary wall strength, potentially helping the damaged vessels heal faster.

• How to Do It: Apply pure aloe vera gel or a vitamin C serum directly to the mark multiple times throughout the day.

7. The Best Cover-Up Techniques

While the treatments work, a strategic cover-up can save the day. This is a temporary solution, but a necessary one.

• Color Correction: Use a green-tinted color corrector (since green cancels out red/purple) before applying your regular concealer.
• Application: Pat the color corrector onto the hickey, then layer a full-coverage concealer that matches your skin tone. Set with powder for maximum staying power.
• Clothing: Turtlenecks, scarves, collared shirts, and high-neck tops remain your best friends for quick, reliable coverage.

Safety and When to See a Doctor

While hickeys are generally harmless superficial bruises, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid Puncturing: Never try to drain or puncture a hickey. This can lead to infection, scarring, and will not make the bruise disappear faster.
• Stop If Irritated: If any home remedy, like pineapple or toothpaste, causes a rash or irritation, stop immediately and rinse the area with cool water.
• Medical Concern: If the hickey becomes extremely painful, swollen, or if you notice new bruises appearing frequently without injury, consult a doctor. This could indicate a more serious underlying condition related to blood clotting or capillaries.

By combining the initial cold treatment with the later warm compresses, massage, and topical remedies like Arnica and Vitamin K, you can significantly reduce the healing time of your chupetón from two weeks down to just a few days.