TIFU by getting a red ink tattoo

When I turned 18 I decided to get my first tattoo, and decided to get a protection sigil in the crook of my arm, specifically in red ink. It came out looking very nice. All was good and well, fast forward to 3 years later. The tattoo began to fade, badly at that. My bf pointed out it looked like angry red needle marks in the crook of my arm. I knew it looked bad, and tried wearing long sleeves at work.

The problem is, the place I worked could get up to 105°f. So one summer day it was really hot, and had to wear a short sleeve. I was working with a coworker, when he asked me about the marks on my arm. I said "haha, its a faded tattoo, but they totally look like needle marks right?" I saw his face twist, and could tell immediately that he didnt believe me. I dont know why I didnt just leave it at saying it was a faded tattoo.

Later in the day I was eating lunch, when a group of coworkers came up to me, and sat down at my table. They started talking to me about how they heard rumor that I was using illegal substances, and started talking about getting me help. As well as how shocked they were that I, of all people would be using dr*gs. I tried explaining it was a tattoo, but the fading on my arm was so bad, it was just unbelievable to them.

I ended up pulling out my phone, and delving deep into my google photos, trying to find the picture I took from when I first got my tattoo. Eventually I found it and turned my phone to show them. I'm still not convinced they believed me, but they dropped it.

Tldr: got a red ink tattoo in the crook of my arm, years later it faded and looked like I was using needles