Fact Check: Are hickeys bad?

Are Hickeys Bad?

The claim that "hickeys are bad" encompasses a range of concerns, from potential health risks to social stigma. Hickeys, or love bites, are bruises caused by suction on the skin, typically resulting from kissing or biting. While they are often viewed as a sign of affection, there are questions about their safety and potential health implications. This article will explore the available evidence regarding hickeys, examining both the risks and the myths associated with them.

What We Know

Nature of Hickeys: Hickeys are essentially bruises that occur when small blood vessels break under the skin due to suction. They can cause temporary redness, swelling, and tenderness but are generally considered harmless 1 7.
Health Risks: While most sources agree that hickeys are mostly harmless, there are rare cases where they could lead to more serious health issues. For example, a report cited by Bustle discusses a case where a hickey resulted in a blood clot that traveled to the brain, causing seizures 2. Similarly, a source from Cardiovascular Business notes that pressure on the carotid artery during a hickey could increase the risk of clotting, potentially leading to a stroke 9.
Cancer Myths: There is a prevalent myth that hickeys can cause cancer. However, multiple sources, including Healthline and Acibadem Health Point, debunk this claim, stating that hickeys do not cause cancer or other serious conditions 1 4 10.
Social Implications: Beyond physical health, hickeys can carry social stigma. They may be viewed negatively in certain cultures or contexts, leading to embarrassment or judgment 3.
Infection Risks: Hickeys can lead to skin irritation and, in rare cases, infection if the skin is broken or if excessive pressure is applied 8.

Analysis

The sources consulted provide a mix of medical insights and anecdotal evidence regarding hickeys.

Credibility of Sources: Healthline and WebMD are generally regarded as reliable sources for health information, as they often cite peer-reviewed studies and medical professionals. However, their articles on hickeys primarily focus on debunking myths rather than providing comprehensive medical guidance.
Potential Bias: Some sources, like Bustle, may have a more sensationalist approach, focusing on rare incidents to attract readers. This could lead to an exaggerated perception of the risks associated with hickeys. Similarly, the article from Cardiovascular Business discusses severe complications but does not provide a balanced view of the rarity of such occurrences 2 9.
Methodological Concerns: Many of the claims about hickeys leading to serious health issues are based on isolated case reports rather than large-scale studies. This raises questions about the generalizability of these findings. For instance, while the case of a hickey causing a stroke is alarming, it is important to consider how often such events actually occur in the general population 2 9.
Additional Information Needed: More extensive epidemiological studies would be beneficial to understand the actual risks associated with hickeys. Data on the frequency of complications arising from hickeys compared to other common activities would provide a clearer picture of their safety.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "hickeys are bad" is partially true, as it encompasses both valid concerns and misconceptions. While hickeys are generally harmless and do not cause cancer, there are rare instances where they can lead to serious health issues, such as blood clots or infections. The evidence suggests that the risks associated with hickeys are minimal for most people, but the potential for severe complications cannot be entirely dismissed.

It is important to recognize that the majority of information available is anecdotal or based on isolated cases, which limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions about the overall safety of hickeys. Additionally, social perceptions of hickeys can vary widely, adding another layer of complexity to the discussion.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider both the potential risks and the context in which hickeys occur. As with many health-related topics, individual circumstances and personal health factors should guide decisions regarding hickeys.

Sources

Healthline. "Can Hickeys Give You Cancer? Fact and Fiction." Healthline
Bustle. "Are Hickeys Dangerous? 6 Things You Didn't Know About Love Bites." Bustle
Healthline Media. "Are Hickeys Bad? Understanding the Potential Risks and Myths." Healthline Media
Acibadem Health Point. "Can Hickeys Cause Cancer? Debunking Myths." Acibadem Health Point
WebMD. "Hickeys: What You Need to Know." WebMD
YouTube. "Dr. Max Gomez: Dangerous Hickeys." CBS New York
Is It Bad For You. "Are Hickeys Bad For You? - Here Is Your Answer." Is It Bad For You
Wellwisp. "Does Hickeys Cause Cancer? | Unraveling the Truth." Wellwisp
Cardiovascular Business. "Love bites: How a hickey can induce a stroke." Cardiovascular Business
Acibadem Health Point. "Do Love Bites Cause Cancer? Debunking Myths." Acibadem Health Point