A Few Days Ago I Gave Myself a Stick-N-Poke Tattoo: What Should I Do?

A few days ago, you took the DIY tattooing route and ended up with a tattoo that's indented and more pigmented than intended. You might be wondering if you should be concerned and what steps to take. Here's what you need to know.

The Dangers of DIY Stick-N-Poke Tattooing

Given that you used a sewing needle and pen ink, there's a significant risk of complications. With no sterilization, your tattoo is susceptible to infection. Here’s what you should do to ensure your safety:

1. Visit a Professional Tattoo Artist

If you regret your tattoo and wish to correct it, the best course of action is to visit a professional tattoo artist. They can either clean up your DIY tattoo or design a cover-up for you. Cover-ups are a great way to cover up a poorly made tattoo or to change the design.

2. Take Care of Your Tattoo

With DIY tattoos, proper aftercare is crucial to avoid complications like scarring and infection. Here are the steps you should follow:

Clean the area with medicated cream or Bactine (in the USA) or Germolene or Savlon (in the UK) if available. Observe the area for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and soreness. Monitor for any additional symptoms of the flu or a bad cold, which could also indicate an infection.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. A visit to a GP or a doctor would be advisable to get some antibiotics.

3. Scrubbing the Tattoo

While it might be tempting to scrub off the tattoo, doing so could only push the ink deeper into the skin, making it harder to remove. Instead, wash your tattoo well in the shower, gently scrubbing off any scabs that form. This method might help draw out some of the ink without leaving a noticeable scar.

Tattoo Removal Options

Unfortunately, tattoos are permanent. The ink is trapped in the dermis, the layer of skin below the one that flakes off, so it stays in place as long as the cells do. The only way to remove a tattoo is through professional methods:

1. Laser Tattoo Removal

Laser tattoo removal is a process that uses a UV laser to break up the pigment particles into smaller pieces that your body can naturally break down and eliminate. Keep in mind that this process is not painless and often requires multiple sessions. However, it is the most effective way to remove a tattoo completely.

2. Tattoo Cover-Ups

If you still want a tattoo, a cover-up might be a viable option. You can visit a professional tattoo artist who can design a new tattoo that hides the old one. This method is generally less expensive than laser tattoo removal but only works if you still want to have tattoos.

3. Important Questions to Consider

What method did you use to create the tattoo? How deep did you go when creating the tattoo?

These details will help determine the approach to take for correction or removal.

Conclusion

While DIY tattooing can be tempting, it comes with risks. If you regret your stick-n-poke tattoo and experience any signs of infection, seek professional help. The best way to address the issue is to visit a professional tattoo artist who can either correct the tattoo or design a cover-up. Additionally, proper aftercare is crucial to minimize complications. If you're seriously considering tattoo removal, laser tattoo removal or cover-ups are the most effective options.