Many small couples in the intimacy, passion, always like to leave a love stamp on ta’s body, in ta’s smooth neck or sexy earlobes next to plant a small strawberry, to declare sovereignty – “this person has the Lord, do not play a small reckoning it”. So planting a strawberry is in fact bitten out or sucked out? The romantic “strawberry” that makes people look at the pink bubble is also known as a hickey, and its scientific name is “mechanical purple spot”, which means subcutaneous bleeding (see this scientific name, it seems to become unromantic). So, why is there a hickey and how is it formed? It is actually formed because under sucking (usually longer than 30 seconds), the subcutaneous capillaries rupture and bleed, and the red blood cells spill into the dermis, thus forming a red hickey. So, when you touch that piece of skin, you may also feel pain. At the same time, the body secretes more of the neurotransmitter 5-monohydroxytryptamine that makes people happy when kissing, and this substance can cause endothelial cells to contract, cell gaps to increase, and blood plasma to leak out, further contributing to the hickeys. How long do hickeys usually last? Generally speaking, hickeys, like ordinary bruises, will fade over a certain period of time and eventually disappear without a trace. It will disappear within 5-12 days and the injured skin and blood vessels will repair confidently, the exact time required and the size of the hickey is related to the individual’s blood circulation condition. If your hickey is more severe or you have more sensitive skin, it may take longer to heal. How can I get rid of hickeys after making out? If the hickey formed within 24 hours, it is best to use a cold towel to promote clotting and reduce the leakage of blood. You can also use a frozen spoon to press gently on the hickey, but it is best not to touch the skin directly with ice. If the hickey has been formed for more than 24 hours, it is best to use a hot towel to promote absorption of the bruised blood within the tissues, and you may also choose to gently apply a warm towel to the hickey to help the skin repair itself more quickly. References: [1] Li L. Hot summer, it is a good time to “plant strawberries” [J]. Health for All. 2017,14:70-71.