'Have fun but not too much' just got a new meaning after a 17-year-old from Mexico reportedly died from a stroke, caused by a love bite planted on him by his girlfriend. In another case, a 44-year-old Australian woman suffered a minor stroke and got partially paralyzed due to a love bite. Her case was later published in the New Zealand Medical Journal.

While hickeys are common, they lead to blood clots—something that could trigger a life-threatening stroke in extreme cases.

What Exactly Is A Love Bite? A hickey is a dark red or dark purple mark on your skin caused by intense suction. While biting may be part of giving a hickey, sucking is sufficient to burst small superficial blood vessels under the skin to produce bruising. Interestingly, a person's neck is a common site for hickeys because of its easy access, however you can get them anywhere on your body.

Is It Lethal?

Not exactly. But in some extreme cases, there is a risk of damaging your carotid or vertebral artery due to extreme pressure. The carotid arteries, one on each side of the neck, are responsible for supplying blood to the head, including the brain. Vigorous manipulation of the neck, including the action of a hickey, can cause the inner wall of the carotid artery to rupture. (This process is medically termed as carotid artery dissection). Such a dissection is a nidus, a place where bacteria can multiply, for the formation of a blood clot. The blood clot can then get dislodged and enter the brain circulation, eventually causing a stroke.

While there is nothing wrong in giving or receiving love bites, it is imperative to note that one should not dig their teeth too deep into the other person's neck to avoid injury and damage to sensitive structures like the carotid artery or the jugular vein (a vein that carries deoxygenated blood from skull to body).

How To Cure A Hickey?

While there are practically no ways to cure a hickey, you can speed up the healing process. These processes can help you expedite the process:

1. Alternate Cold and Warm Compresses

Ice helps constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling. Apply a cold compress to the affected area for no more than 15 minutes per hour. Try a warm compress within the first 24 hours of developing a bruise. Heat helps expand blood vessels, allowing oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to travel to the area.

2. Avoid Worsening The Hickey

Give it adequate time to heal, and do not do anything that would worsen its appearance. Another makeout session may affect the neck area and break more blood vessels under the skin. Other things that might cause a bruise include falls and sports injuries.

3. Massage The Area

Use a self-massager, jade roller, or comb over the affected area. Research has shown that massage may help increase blood flow to the affected area.3 There's still a lack of research on how effective this method is.

4. Try A Banana Peel

One of the most inventive home remedies involves rubbing a banana peel on your skin for up to 30 minutes. The idea is that the nutrients in the banana peel, such as iron and zinc, help get rid of the bruise. Research has found that those nutrients aid in wound healing.

5. Use Topical Creams

You can try topical creams that contain arnica, bromelain, or vitamin K. Arnica is an herb, and bromelain is an enzyme (protein) in pineapples. Some evidence has suggested that those ingredients help reduce bruising. You can also eat fresh pineapple or drink pineapple juice, but more research is needed to know how bromelain affects hickeys.

We all love a bit of touch up, whether on a regular day or for an event. For millions of women across the globe, threading is a regular part of their beauty routine. From shaping eyebrows to removing unwanted facial hair, this grooming technique is practiced weekly or monthly and is widely considered quick, safe, and inexpensive.

But a recent video from a doctor turned influencer has caused a stir online by claiming that threading — like tattooing and body piercing — can potentially spread Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.

What Did The Doctor Say?

In a video that has garnered over 400,000 views within two days, Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine doctor from Navi Mumbai, narrates a case where three young women, all of whom had visited the same threading salon, tested positive for Hepatitis B with identical virus strains.

Dr Gabale says he investigated the case like a “medical mystery,” and found the common link between the patients was their visit to the same salon. Citing a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) bulletin, he claims that Hepatitis B has been known to spread through tattooing, razor-sharing, and “even cosmetic procedures like threading.”

According to him, threading can cause micro-abrasions, and if contaminated tools or threads are used, the virus could survive for days — even without visible blood.

Medical Experts Respond with Skepticism

However, not all doctors are convinced. A dermatologist based in Hyderabad acknowledges that if threading causes skin abrasions, transmission is “theoretically possible,” but stresses that no confirmed case has ever been recorded.

“Tattoos are a different story — they break the skin and do carry a risk. But threading is far more superficial,” he said. “If threading was truly risky, we’d have seen documented evidence by now, considering how common the practice is.”

He also criticized the influencer’s decision to disable comments on the video, making it harder for experts to counter misleading claims.

Missing Evidence and Misleading Sources

Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar also raised concerns. He pointed out a small disclaimer in the video saying it’s “only for educational purposes” and presents a theoretical risk — suggesting the doctor hadn’t treated any actual Hepatitis B cases linked to threading.

“The issue is that viewers may miss that disclaimer and assume the risk is real. But to date, not a single case report has linked Hepatitis B transmission to threading — that’s significant,” Dr Kumar explained.

About the WHO bulletin cited in the video, the doctor reportedly shared a screenshot of an unrelated 2010 article, which did not reference threading and wasn’t published by WHO.

Beauty Risks vs. Clickbait

Dr Kumar added that while there are documented links between Hepatitis B and procedures like tattooing, body piercing, manicures, or even shaving with unsterile equipment, threading has never been associated with such risk, reported The South First.

He warns against fear-mongering and called the video an example of “clickbait,” made worse by its origin — a doctor, not just an influencer.

“Threading doesn’t typically break the skin. Unlike tattooing or piercings, it doesn’t create the conditions necessary for virus transmission. We must focus on real risks — unprotected sex, reused medical needles, and poor hygiene in clinical settings — not unproven, hypothetical scenarios,” he said.

Ayurveda has solutions for many kinds of ailments. Most of these remedies and cures depend on easily found spices and herbs that we are all used to eating. Ayurveda pulls from nature and our surroundings; it promotes healing from within by teaching us healthy ways to live, whether it is what we eat or what kind of routine we follow.

Weight loss is something we are all aware of and many of us have also gone through the process ourselves. While it may seem like a simple concept, it can affect us all differently.

Turmeric is a spice that's been used in traditional medicine for a very long time, and honey is a sweet food made by bees. Both contain things that can help reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest they might also help with your body's metabolism and weight loss, but we don't have a lot of strong proof yet. While honey's sweetness can make the bitter taste of turmeric easier to handle, there's no clear evidence they work better together for losing weight.

How Turmeric and Honey Might Affect Your Weight

Both turmeric and honey, when used separately, might help with weight loss. However, there are no human studies that show combining them helps you lose weight.

Turmeric

Studies show turmeric can help a little with weight loss. A review of different research found that taking curcumin (the main active part of turmeric) could slightly reduce your body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist size. Supplements that were easier for the body to absorb seemed to work better. Still, the weight loss was small (less than 1 kilogram over 4-18 weeks), and some study methods had problems. Remember, turmeric itself has only a small amount of curcumin, and it's not absorbed as well as supplements.

Honey

Some studies suggest honey can improve blood sugar and cholesterol, which might help with weight management. But other studies show honey has no effect, or even negative effects, on your metabolism. This is probably because honey is mostly sugar, so the amount you use matters.

Other Health Benefits of Turmeric

Beyond its potential role in weight management, some studies suggest that turmeric may offer other health benefits, though more research is still needed. It might help reduce inflammation in the blood and could also improve painful mouth sores caused by certain cancer treatments. Daily doses of curcumin, the active part of turmeric, may also ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes painful joint swelling. Additionally, it could help improve digestive health for those with ulcerative colitis, a disease that inflames the digestive system.

Other Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is mostly sugar, but it also has helpful ingredients that can fight damage in the body and reduce swelling. Some studies show that honey can help lessen pain after a C-section, although it didn't make the cut heal faster. It might also make mouth sores less severe for people undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, which can help them continue their medical care.

Ways to Enjoy Turmeric and Honey

Turmeric and honey are both very versatile! You can enjoy them in many ways:

• Make a turmeric latte, also called golden milk.
• Brew turmeric tea and add honey.
• Mix honey or turmeric into salad dressings.
• Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, or rice.
• Use turmeric to marinate fish.

When you picture your post-weight-loss transformation, you probably see yourself as a healthier, more energetic yourself—not as someone struggling with excess folds of loose skin. For many people, the thought of loose skin is a surprising—and unwanted—consequence that takes away from the gratification of reaching their health milestones. But the good news is: Although some level of skin laxity is unavoidable, it doesn't have to lead you to surgical treatments. Through intelligent planning and targeted lifestyle modification, and a science-supported methodology, you can easily minimize your chances of getting skin that's loose—and quite possibly eliminate it altogether.

Skin is not a surface organ—it's your body's largest and most intricate barrier, comprised of collagen and elastin, proteins that are responsible for firmness and elasticity. When you put on pounds, your skin stretches to keep up with added fat reserves. But constant stretching, particularly in instances of obesity or pregnancy, may ruin these supportive fibers.

This damage is the reason why the skin tends to struggle to recover following extreme weight reduction. And although genetics and age are factors, how much weight you lose, how you care for your skin, and your diet can influence the outcome to be in your favor.

Rapid weight loss might seem appealing, but it increases the likelihood of loose skin. Losing weight slowly—ideally 1 to 2 pounds per week—gives your skin time to adjust to your body’s new shape.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, gradual weight loss supports metabolic stability and gives your skin’s collagen fibers time to remodel rather than collapse under pressure.

Replacing lost fat with lean muscle mass gives shape and support underneath the skin. Add resistance training, weight lifting, and bodyweight exercises to your daily routine. Short sessions, performed consistently, can contribute to noticeable skin tightening in the long term.

It is particularly helpful on the arms, thighs, and stomach—areas where loose skin often manifests.

Weight loss is a great victory for your health, but unfortunately, it usually comes with a hidden cost—loose, sagging skin. While not everyone gets it, many do, particularly after fast or extreme weight loss. But the good news: loose skin doesn't necessarily mean permanent. With the right approach—from determining the cause to selecting targeted treatments—you can enhance the elasticity and look of your skin. Here's how.

First, Identify: Is It Actually Loose Skin or Stubborn Fat?

Before diving into solutions, it's worth considering whether what you're observing is actually loose skin or merely a layer of subcutaneous fat under the skin.

Test the pinch test:

Pinch the area in question gently.

If the skin is thick (over several millimeters), it's probably subcutaneous fat. If that's the case, additional fat loss may tighten the skin naturally.

If the skin is thin and wrinkly, you’re dealing with true loose skin.

Step-by-Step Guide To Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss

1. Nourish Your Skin from Within

Your skin relies on nutrients—especially collagen and elastin—to maintain its firmness and elasticity. A well-rounded, vitamin-rich diet can help your skin recover.

Vitamin A (for cell repair): Found in eggs, cheese, oily fish, yogurt, and fortified spreads.

Vitamin C (to produce collagen): In citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, and potatoes.

Vitamin E (to give skin elasticity): In nuts, seeds, vegetable oils (such as sunflower or olive), and leafy green vegetables.

A balanced diet also supports weight management and overall health.

2. Adopt Lifestyle Habits That Promote Healthy Skin

Unhealthy habits can fight against your skin's resilience.

Quit smoking: Smoking significantly cuts collagen production and speeds up skin aging.

Shield from sun damage: Too much sun exposure degrades proteins in the skin, resulting in sagging skin years later.

3. Drink Plenty of Water and Moisturize Regularly

Water isn't only necessary for losing weight—it's also important for skin elasticity.

Hydration increases elasticity: Researchers found that drinking more water enhances the texture and function of the skin.

Moisturize every day: Apply creams containing natural oils (such as olive oil or coconut oil) and collagen-enhancing agents. This will work to minimize stretch marks and keep skin from drying out and sagging.

4. Exercise To Build Back Underlying Muscle

Loose skin typically occurs when fat is lost, but underlying muscle is not gained to occupy the space. Specifically targeted strength training can turn that around.

Weight training and resistance exercises create muscle, particularly in the arms, abdomen, and thighs.

Even a daily 30-minute workout of strength-building activity can tighten skin by adding depth underneath it.

5. Investigate Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures

For those in need of quicker results, some non-surgical procedures provide effective, safe solutions without going under the knife:

Ultrasound skin tightening: Utilizes sound waves to increase collagen production.

Radiofrequency and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Stimulate tightening of the skin and enhance texture.

Chemical peels and ablative laser resurfacing: Rejuvenate the skin surface by stimulating new skin cell growth.

Neuromodulators: Cosmetically used often to relax lines, but can also enhance skin tone and texture.

All of these treatments usually need multiple sessions and little time off work.

6. Surgery for Excess or Severely Loose Skin

If your skin has been stretched out considerably—such as following weight loss of 100 pounds or more—non-surgical treatments might not be sufficient.

Body-contouring surgeries are used to remove loose skin and fat, providing immediate and striking results:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Thigh lift
• Brachioplasty (arm lift)
• Body lift
• Breast lift

Note: Always see a board-certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros, cons, and recovery time before going ahead.

Will Loose Skin Go Away On Its Own?

That is dependent upon various factors:

Age: Younger skin is more elastic.

Duration of obesity: The longer the skin has been stretched, the more difficult it can be to retract.

Lifestyle: Smoking, sun exposure, lack of nutrition, and crash diets all impact results.

For mild to moderate loose skin, regular care can result in slow improvement. For severe cases, medical treatments might be required.

When Surgery Is the Only Option

In severe instances—particularly following weight loss of more than 100 pounds—non-surgical solutions might not be enough. Body-contouring procedures like tummy tucks, thigh lifts, or brachioplasty can eliminate major folds of loose skin.

Surgery must be the last option. It's costly, involves considerable downtime, and has inherent risks. Always see a board-certified plastic surgeon and consider the advantages carefully.

Will Loose Skin Go Away on Its Own?

Mild skin laxity tends to improve on its own over time, particularly in those who are younger or who live a healthy, collagen-prompting lifestyle. But for more severe sagging, this may level off and not get any better without doing anything.

You can act proactively from day one on your weight loss program. Add skin-care measures to your fitness and diet plan and get better long-term results.

The road to a healthier body doesn't need to mean sacrificing your confidence. By gradually losing weight, nourishing your skin through nutrients and water, remaining active, and eschewing harmful habits, you give your skin the power to cope and remain resilient. Loose skin can be a widespread issue, but one that's not set in stone. With the right science-driven strategy, you can safeguard your skin—no knife necessary.