Buzz
A strange bruise or mark on someone's neck might make you suspicious. Love bites, or small bruises from passionate kissing, have unique characteristics and usually occur during private, intimate moments. If you're unsure what you're looking at, read on to determine whether it's a love bite or just a regular bruise.
Steps
Size
Most love bites are about the size of a puckered lip. While sizes may vary, they are typically quite small, less than 2.5 cm. If the bruise is larger than the average lip size, it’s likely just a regular bruise.
- Look for clusters of love bites. If you see a large bruise on someone, it might be multiple love bites placed close together.
Shape
Love bites are usually oval or round in shape. This is fairly easy to identify because they are marks left by suction from the lips. However, burns from curling irons or straighteners can leave similar marks, so here are some possible distinctions.
- If the bruise is a perfect circle with nothing in the center, it might be a rash caused by ringworm, not a love bite.
Color
Most love bites range in color from red to purple. Since love bites are bruises caused by kissing, they retain the typical bruise-like appearance. They can appear as red, dark red, purple, or purplish marks on the skin. The color you see is due to broken blood vessels beneath the skin surfacing.
- Regular bruises change color as they heal, but love bites don’t change color—they simply fade over time.
- If you’re trying to conceal a love bite, green color-correcting concealer is a great choice. It neutralizes red and purple tones, making them easier to cover.
Location
Check if the bruise is on the neck or shoulder area. Most love bites typically appear on the skin above the collarbone. These are areas that are unlikely to bruise accidentally, so the cause is often kissing.
- People often hide love bites with scarves or turtlenecks. If the person you suspect of having a love bite suddenly starts wearing neck accessories frequently, they might be trying to conceal something.
Activity
Love bites usually occur during intimate moments. If you know the person has been dating, it’s likely a mark of affection on their neck. However, if the bruise appears after a hockey game, it’s probably just a regular bruise.
- Love bites don’t necessarily happen during intercourse—just kissing and intimacy can leave a mark. If your child comes home with a love bite, don’t jump to conclusions.
Timing
Most love bites last about 2 weeks. Love bites are bruises and take time to fade. Depending on their size, it can take up to 2 weeks for them to disappear completely. You’ll notice them becoming lighter and smaller over time.
- If the bruise hasn’t faded after 2 weeks, something might be wrong. Consult a doctor to get it checked.
Temperature
Applying cold compresses can speed up the healing process. If you notice your friend frequently using ice packs, they might be trying to fade a love bite quickly. However, cold compresses can only do so much, and the love bite will still be quite visible.
- Another trick is to chill a spoon in the freezer and press it against the love bite. If you find multiple spoons in the freezer, it could be evidence of what’s going on.
Age
Love bites are more common among younger people. This doesn’t mean older individuals can’t give or receive love bites; however, they tend to be more discreet about it. You’re more likely to spot love bites on teenagers than on your grandmother.
Tips
- There are several methods to remove love bites at home, such as using ice, aloe vera, or banana peels.
