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@El Dolmago, I don't know if my dermatologist is gonna be all that helpful if I decide to go the removal route. Not even sure if she'll have any info about the efficacy (or lack thereof) or potential dangers of laser removal, especially UV tattoo removal, even though her specialty is in laser therapies. As for surgical removal ... I haven't really thought about that at all. I guess if there are health risks associated with early UV inks, it might be something to consider. Thanks for your thoughts. Wow, @omeletta,thanks for the link to the other thread. Really appreciate you digging it up for me. Some useful info in there, and on a side note, it's both comforting and disturbing to know there are others who have experienced something similar.

Weird things happen in this world...I seem to remember you're not the first person that came here to ask about involuntary UV tattoos...found the old thread actually, maybe it's useful to you in some way: As for the tattoo machine question, you may have figured this out by now, but of course one doesn't need a machine at all. Just something that puts the ink deep into the skin, a needle usually. Traditional tattooing was and is done this way as well as stick and poke tattoos. No special equipment needed as such and no electricity. No noise made. Good luck with your research!

Interesting! Seeing as you've been working with your Dr already - your only option would be to look at having your Dermatologist remove it - As my understanding of common tattoo removal goes it involves a laser breaking down ink pigments (different wavelengths affect different colour molecules) - this wouldn't affect a phosphorescent pigment - your best option would be to have it removed surgically if it's something you are concerned about. LS has an excellent tattoo removal thread with some great advice by a seasoned pro. Is it possible for someone to apply a crude tattoo without your knowing? Sure depending on your state at the time - the 80's were a thing for sure. Was it likely applied with a tattoo machine? Probably not - more likely your skin was cut and pigment was rubbed in it. Good luck!

Our shop has a $200 down payment, and we just leave it there b/c we keep going back, so it stays on the books so we don't have to mess w/it each time we call for an appointment. My husband's new artist is right next to mine, so that was nice last time. The other times we've been tattooed "together" he's been a lot farther away. When I initially contacted them about an appointment, I emailed and got the details on how they handle them w/people who live a ways away before calling. They asked for pictures to be emailed first, so they could look and see what ideas I had and pictures of the area, since it was for a cover up. The idea for the cover up actually came from a poster here, who I don't think posts anymore. I sent them all the pictures, told them the idea and what I like, and asked who they thought would be the best fit. Worked out great b/c the artist they suggested is the one I liked the best off the website portfolios. He is booked around 3 months out, so that's been hard at times but holy hannah it's so worth it. And it started as a "cover up and maybe can you incorporate this peony I already have into it" to..ummm can you extend it to go around my frog? to, wellll maybe can you just extend it across my back and down the other arm? ha. The general idea came from here--Japanese/water. I asked for another peony and could it be darker shades of purple and then pretty much the entire thing has been whatever he feels like doing, colors too. That "laid back" thing is something I started working on from comments here, and it's been *incredible*. "listen to your artist" "trust your artist" yeah. it's amazing what you can get when you take that to heart.

You know those nasty orange slice jellies? Yeah, those. I power munch those. I only eat them when getting tattooed. They are delicious and when they stick in your teeth, it gives you something else to think about.

@Dan A mix of Skittles and M&Ms?! You, sir, are a true psychopath.

Me too. My 6.5 hour session required someone bring me a sip of sumpthin, but otherwise there is chat and mental relaxation techniques, and time is up before you know it. I discovered early on that when I tried to look at my phone or listen to music I had a harder time than just laying back and zoning out/accepting the sensation.

i usually just bring the body part thats getting tattooed