Strawberry marks can be painful for a variety of reasons, and understanding what happens to your skin during this process can help explain the discomfort.

When someone gets a strawberry mark, also known as a hickey, the pain typically comes from broken capillaries beneath the skin's surface. This is a natural response of the body's tissues to the suction force applied during the act.

Why Does It Hurt?

The pressure from sucking on the skin can cause tiny blood vessels called capillaries to rupture. This leads to the red or purple mark that many people recognize as a "strawberry." Since this is a mild form of tissue damage, it's common to feel some tenderness, soreness, or even slight swelling in the affected area, especially if the suction was intense.

How Long Does the Pain Last?

In most cases, the discomfort associated with a hickey is temporary and should fade within a few days. The mark itself may take a bit longer to disappear completely, but it generally resolves without any long-term effects.

How to Reduce Pain and Speed Up Healing

If you're experiencing discomfort from a strawberry mark, applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and ease the pain. Simply wrap a cold pack in a cloth and gently place it on the affected area for a few minutes at a time.

Safety Concerns: Where Not to Kiss

While hickeys are usually harmless, it's important to be cautious about where they are placed. Avoiding the neck area is highly recommended, as excessive pressure or suction near major arteries can potentially lead to more serious complications, such as blood clots, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues.