Many chocolate products contain toxic heavy metals: new study

Image
This is a bitter pill to swallow. Many cocoa products in the US contain concerning levels of toxic heavy metals, a new study from George Washington University warns. Many cocoa products in the US contain worrisome levels of lead and cadmium, a new study from George Washington University warns. Picture Partners – stock.adobe.com Researchers analyzed 72 cocoa-based foods — including dark chocolate, often praised as a heart-healthy treat — over eight years. They found that 43% of the products contained an amount of lead that tops recommendations, while 35% exceeded cadmium limits. Surprisingly, organic-labeled products had higher levels of lead and cadmium than non-organic products, the researchers said. Contamination can come from soil or occur during manufacturing. A single serving of these cocoa items may not pose significant health risks, but several servings might. Leigh Frame, director of integrative medicine at GW, led the testing of 72 cocoa-based products. The George Washingto...
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Wondering How to Get Rid of Hickeys? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.


Have you been frantically browsing the Internet for an answer to how to get rid of hickeys? End your search because we have got you covered. According to anecdotal evidence and research, a hickey is typically a bruise on your skin which results from excessive sucking or biting the skin. Also known as a love bite, it may look and feel great in the moment of passion but might appear unpleasant as it causes dark marks or skin discoloration (1). Dr. Bob Sangar, General Medical Practitioner and Co-Founder, Smart Armor Ltd, says, “Hickeys are safe to have at places where the skin hasn’t been broken. It is because, there is a potential risk of skin infection if the skin surface has any damage — human salivary bacteria can cause infections.”

In this article, we find out how to get rid of a hickey quickly and conveniently.

What Is a Hickey?

Hickeys are dark red or purple marks which may appear on your skin due to intense suction. Most of the time these marks are temporary and according to anecdotal evidence, they are more commonly spotted on necks due to easy access. Studies state that when your partner sucks or bites skin, the pressure from their lips might break the little blood vessels which are present under the skin (1). 

When this happens, the broken blood vessels may start releasing tiny spots of blood which are called petechiae. A collection of these small blood spots together form a larger dark spot, which is referred to as a hickey. It typically may look like a bruise on your skin and also might be tender to touch (1). But how long do hickeys last? Read on to find out. 

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How Long Does a Hickey Stay?

When a hickey appears on your neck, it might cause a situation of embarrassment and lead to awkward moments with others. So it’s quite common to ask “how long does it take for a hickey to go away?”. Well, according to anecdotal evidence, these stubborn bruises may take a few days or at least two weeks to fade away. But to avoid those difficult encounters at work and with others, you may need to figure out how to get rid of hickeys much quicker. Need assistance? We have put together the ultimate edit of solutions that might help. 

4 Best Ways to Get Rid of Hickeys 

Here are the four best natural and effective ways to get rid of a hickey. 

1. Use a Warm Compress

Have you been questioning how to get rid of a hickey fast? Here’s a quick fix that might help. According to research, using a warm compress might help in speeding up the healing process of hickeys. Studies suggest that the heat from a warm compress may help in promoting blood circulation in the bruised area. It might also provide comfort and pain relief (2). 

What You Need: A warm compress 

Method: Apply the warm compress properly to the affected area. Allow it to sit on your skin for about 5 to 10 minutes, and then remove it. You may follow this 2 to 3 times daily. 

2. Apply Aloe Vera Gel 

According to studies, aloe vera gel has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiseptic, and wound-healing properties which may help in making a hickey disappear (3), (4). Hence, if you have been wondering how to get rid of hickeys naturally, then this might be one of the best ways. 

What You Need: An aloe vera leaf 

Method: Begin by scooping up the gel from the leaf. In a small bowl, mash the gel with a spoon to create a smooth paste. Apply this gel to the affected area and leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes. After it has dried completely, rinse with water and pat dry with a soft towel. You might do this effective routine two times daily. 

3. Cold Compress

Using a cold compress method such as a cold spoon or ice might be effective for hickey removal. Research suggests that the cold temperature from this form of compress may help in reducing the swelling, slow down the blood flow from vessels to the skin, and hence reduce the appearance of a hickey (2). 

What You Need: A frozen spoon or ice cubes 

Method: Start by applying the back of a cold, frozen spoon to the bruised skin. Alternate it with ice cubes. Keep stroking the hickey softly with the spoon and ice for a few minutes. Follow this procedure about 2 to 3 times daily. 

4. Massage Therapy

According to anecdotal evidence, massage therapy might be effective in providing pain relief from hickeys as it may reduce muscle tension. Further, massages might increase the blood flow in your body which may expedite the process of healing.

Dr. Sangar explains, “Hickeys are caused by leakage of blood into tissue from tiny blood vessels due to sucking. Once the blood is in the tissue it has to be broken down by the body to be moved away, usually taking 1-2 weeks. Light massage can stimulate improved blood supply to help but not excessively as it can worsen it too! Local massage can improve lymphatic drainage to clear breakdown products from the injury (that’s what a hickey is) and stimulate increased blood supply to help speed up injury. For 24 hours an ice pack might help slow damage worsening.”

However, it is advised to not put too much pressure on the affected area. 

What You Need: An essential oil of your choice

Method: Take 2 to 3 drops of the oil in your palms and rub them together. Then, begin to slowly and lightly massage the bruised skin. You may indulge in massage therapy twice a day. 

Conclusion

A hickey occurs when your partner sucks or bites your skin. Often found on necks, they may be embarrassing and cause moments of awkwardness with friends and colleagues. It might take about a few days to two weeks for hickeys to start disappearing. But if you’re questioning how to get rid of hickeys quicker, then you may rely on certain natural ways! From warm and cold compress to applying aloe vera gel — there are multiple ways to get rid of hickeys. However, it is good to ensure that you are not applying too much pressure on the affected area and allow it to heal naturally over time.

Contributor: Dr. Bob Sangar, General Medical Practitioner and Co-Founder, Smart Armor Ltd

Sources:

1. Hickeys

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hickey-what-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Having%20a%20Hickey%3F-,What%20Is%20a%20Hickey%3F,you%20can%20get%20them%20anywhere. 

2. Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25526231/ 

3. Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25003428/ 

4. ALOE VERA: A SHORT REVIEW

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/ 

5. Skin reactions and irritation potential of four commercial toothpastes 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9176662/



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