A young man who was looking forward to showing off his first tattoo has instead had to consult a doctor after it became infected.

The man, who asked not to be named, told the Ross Gazette that he had the tattoo done at a private house in Ross-on-Wye. After white patches started to appear, and his arm became red and sore, he went to see a professional tattooist in Ross, Milly Boylan.

Milly told him it was probably infected by a needle tip which had not been properly sterilised.

She told the Gazette that the rules regulating tattooists only apply to professional premises and anyone can set themselves up as a tattoo artist. She said:?“This is not the first time someone has come to me for advice after getting a tattoo from an unlicenced tattooist.

Before you have a tattoo, check that the person who you want to tattoo you is registered and has an up to date health and safety certificate, this should give you some peace of mind. Never go to an unlicensed tattooist: that is just asking for trouble.

For the full article, see this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette. Out now.