just keep it clean, it should be fine! be gentle with cleaning and drying off - usually will heal within a few weeks

I’d like to add it’s probably the size of my finger nail

Put some non-scented moisturizer on it after you wash it with some non-scented soap :) worked wonders for mine, when I otherwise most likely would’ve gotten an infection.

I heal mine just like any other tattoo. Wash it gently twice a day with antibacterial, unscented soap (I prefer dial), apply lotion. Don't touch it otherwise for 2-3 weeks. I have never had a tattoo of any kind heal in a day or 2.

Stick n pokes don’t need a lot of aftercare cuz they don’t go as deep as a regular tattoo, just try to keep it clean, pick up some antibacterial soap and wash it every once in awhile, don’t pick at the scabs or scratch it, try not to touch it ext... they don’t take that long to heal, maybe a day or two

don’t get a tattoo if you are worried that you can’t take care of it correctly. you need to educate yourself on the basics before giving yourself tattoos. use the search function in this subreddit, there are HUNDREDS of posts with helpful information

The skin in this area is very elastic and moves a lot, I wouldn’t recommend tiny silhouette like that. They are not very contrasted in shape and risk becoming dark blobs in a few years even with good care.

Using second skin maybe! I got a tattoo on the rib just where bra sits and second skin really protected during the healing process.

horrible horrible idea to get a tattoo when youre exposed to public pools

• a retired lifeguard

ive gotten tattoos in that exact area. i wore boxers and high waisted loose pants or skirts just make sure the waistband it not rubbing on them and its loose over that area. if i bent down the tattoos would be folded on themselves so i had to be careful about that. luckily i was at home the whole healing process so i washed the tattoos in the shower after everytime i used the bathroom for like the first week but just make sure you wash them as directed multiple times a day and use aquaphor or whatever your artist recommends to keep them moist dont touch them unless your hands are clean and you are cleaning or applying something to it and change your clothes that touch the tattoos at least twice a day because its underwear on an open wound.

There is a pinned guide and hundreds of posts with all the information you need if you use the search bar

Wash with antibacterial soap, pat dry with clean paper towel or let air dry, slather with aquaphor, repeat multiple times per day. Don't pick at it, don't peel at it. Try not to let it touch.... things. For example, every time your needy dogs jump into your lap and rub on your brand new tattoo... wash and aquaphor it. For a small simple tattoo, do this for maybe one week, for anything larger or with color, shading, etc, 2-3 weeks, and even those timelines, aquaphor it often for good measure.

Mine healed like a normal tattoo would but with maybe a little less scabs. I just did normal tattoo after care. Soap and warm water.

If you go to the gym or have a job that requires a lot physically & makes you sweat be sure to wash the tattooed area with water extra carefully when you're done, avoid sun exposure & apply a thin layer of fragrance free ointment on it a couple times a day.

If it itches during the healing process tap on it (with clean hands!!) instead of rubbing or scratching!

This might be a bit extra but you can also make sure your sheets are clean. Making sure you have fresh sheets, a fresh towel etc is a good extra step to avoid possible chance of infection!

Basically, keep it clean, don't use harsh soap, moisturize it with something unscented (a lot of people use vaseline, a lot of people use cera ve), and don't go in communal water until it's had some time to heal. Some people say a month, others six weeks or more. You can leave it uncovered or cover it with something like tegaderm or plastic wrap if you think it needs protecting.

You can reduce swelling by taking ibuprofen or aspirin (if that's okay for you medically), or by using a cold pack in a cloth at short intervals.

I see why you’re stressed. Stick and Poke’s can be dangerous, especially when done by someone who is not experienced. The signs of an infection include swelling, redness, pain in the area, and leakage of pus. The best thing to do is to visit a doctor for it, just to be safe. Redness is common after a stick and poke, though. I’d suggest applying antibiotic ointment to the area and cover it with a bandage, then visit a doctor. So sorry you’re dealing with this, hope everything goes well ❤️‍🩹

I did a stick and poke a few months ago which ended up getting infected. This isn't good advice and I wouldn't recommend it but I kinds just scraped and dug out all the ink, after that it started to heal fine. Didn't leave a pretty scar but I mean hey, no more infection. I'd definitely go to a doctor tho

If I were you I would just wait until it's colder out so you don't have to risk it getting wet at all

Definitely get “second skin or sanaderm”! They are a great for protecting tattoos! Only leave it on for 6-7 days though! “I recommend getting it on amazon

dont use vaseline!! it’s traps moisture which is exactly what you do not want with a fresh/healing tattoo. You can use either A&D ointment or auqaphor. I’ve used both & I personally like aquaphor more. I just use that for a few days, usually around 2-5 days, and then switch over to a regular unscented lotion twice a day, more if it feels really dry. Also, I never cover my tattoos. Some do, some dont. I have always read/heard that the only reason shops cover it is so that it doesn’t get exposed to anything on your way home. Although if you do decide to cover it, everything I have read/heard has said to make sure not to cover it for more than 6 hours. Keep it out of water until it’s healed (showers are perfectly fine, but don’t take a bath or go swimming or anything where you have to soak it) Also make sure that the soap you’re using to clean it is an antibacterial soap

Overnight, then wash twice a day with a mild soap and moisturize regularly (thin coat, after each wash and whenever it feels like it needs it). Pad the area dry with a clean towel after washing, don’t rub it.