Why Ankle and Foot Tattoos are Different

Of all the tattoo choices available, the ankle and foot tattoo design is one of, if not the most, trendy with women today. This sought after and unique tattoo looks impressive during the spring and summer times of the year and makes for a remarkable first tattoo, although there are a few matters that you need to address before you getting started.

The more notable being protecting the ankle and foot tattoo for the duration of the healing process, which might take longer than other placements, usually in the neighborhood of two and four weeks. The basis for the added time is because almost all footwear can scrape against the image, and in addition, the foot and ankle are always moving; if it causes injury, a quick touch-up may be needed.

The warmer seasons of the year are the best time for getting your foot or ankle tattoos done, unless you can afford the comfort of going barefooted for a couple of weeks. That's not achievable for most active and employed people, but there are some things that you can do to minimize the possible damage.

The most sensible alternative is to just wear easy fitting shoes and steer clear, as much as possible, those activities that demand a lot of movement. Also, you should keep the new tattoo covered with a fine coating of something like Vaseline, or one of the many commercial products, and when you realize you are going to be overly active, place a sheet of plastic wrap between your tattoo and socks. This added measure will keep the image safe from harm.

Ankle and foot tattoos can be more painful than most designs because of the thin skin over the bones, and the pain is comparable to that of getting a tattoo over a rib or shoulder blade. The pain varies depending on who you ask, but is most characteristically described as only moderately more.

Infections are also a possibility that should be repeatedly checked for. Without a doubt your feet will get soiled more often than most other areas of the body. Although this will create a greater risk of contracting an infection, it can be kept to a minimum by added cleanings and reapplications the protective layer.

When choosing an ankle and foot tattoo there are a few things you need to know in advance on account of the extra after care, and potential cost.

Exfoliation occurs on the foot more than other areas of the human anatomy and there is a good chance you will lose particles of ink from time to time. It�s a natural process and nothing to seriously worry about, but, some touch up work could be needed periodically to preserve the original image, but the work will not be that extensive or costly.

And last but not least, tattoos on the foot or ankle require an experienced artist, depending on the difficulty of the tattoo, as is common with a high percentage of thin skinned tattoos. It�s easy to place the color to shallow or deep and the image won�t fully take.

And don�t be shy when asking about their qualifications, and also check out their portfolio for pictures of foot and ankle work they have personally done. The proof is in the pictures and is indicative of what you�re completed tattoo will look like...and as with all exposed tattoos, use a high SPF sun protection.

Author: Noel Christian