Can I use Hydrocortisone Cream on my new tattoo

[rainygirl_angel69]

I don't remember my first one itching this bad! I don't know if it's because of where it is (on my upper back, just under my neck), or if it's just simply that it's 4 times bigger than my first, but this is bad! lol! I have been washing it with the clear, antibacterial liquid soap. It's not completely non-scented, but the little scent it does have it very light and just fresh smelling. And I was using Vaseline, but yesterday I went out and bought some A&D ointment and have been only using that since. My mother is a doctor and suggested putting Hydrocortisone Cream on it, but she doesn't really know anything about tattoos! lol! The itching is driving me nuts though, and I have never heard anything about putting Hydrocortisone cream on a new tattoo? I got my tattoo a couple days ago (3-27-09). Is it okay to put Hydrocortisone cream on it? And if not, is there ANYTHING I can do for the itching???

Also, I figured I'd add, that there's nothing wrong with it. It is healing up very nicely so far. I had my mother inspect it today.. lol.. and she says it looks great. No infection or anything like that. It's the same kind of itching I had with my first, just more annoying. Like I said before, I'm sure it's just because it's a larger tattoo.

[tinmuning]

Most tattoo artists recommend 1% hydrocortisone on the tattooed part if it gets really itchy. Give it a day, it should bring down the swelling. This is usually useful if the itchiness is caused by histamine reaction to the ink. Benadryl can also be useful in this case, as other tattoo artists say.