Itchy Itchy wanna scratch...question

So tomorrow will be one week since I got my new tattoo (see above picture) and the itchy stage has kicked in full force. Lets see I have a weeks work of hair growth there and the healing process is in full swing. I am up to 2 antihistamine pills a day and hydro cream is used sparingly. I want to scratch it so bad but must resist the temptation. For those that have had one recently how long does the itchy phase last? It has been 6 years since I had my last one so I forget.

about a week.  i would sometimes itch around the tattoo and that seemed to help some.  also lightly applying pressure to the tat with your fingers or palm helps a little.  it's best not to touch the area at all but sometimes it drove me crazy and i needed some relief.  i can't imagine how much i scratched while sleeping, so I made sure to keep my nails short.

The itching right now is driving me bonkers. This is the worst of the itchy feeling I have had all week.

I would stop the hydrocortisone cream if you are using it directly on the tattoo, it can alter the colors and prolong the healing process.

Try using an unscented cream instead and keep taking your pills.  The itchy phase can last up to a week and a half, just grit your teeth through it and do not scratch it and it should heal fine. 

It depends on the tattoo.  My chest tattoo itched like hell for three weeks but my other two didn't even bother me at all.

Lubraderm (sp?) regular hand lotion is the best stuff to use on a tat. 

I got my second tatoo a few weeks back on my chest- it only itched for less than a week. I used unscented lotion as per instructions of the artist. 

Original Post by tatjanaturtle:

I would stop the hydrocortisone cream if you are using it directly on the tattoo, it can alter the colors and prolong the healing process.

Try using an unscented cream instead and keep taking your pills. The itchy phase can last up to a week and a half, just grit your teeth through it and do not scratch it and it should heal fine.

 I only put the hydro on it once when the itching was unbearable. But today is not as bad as yesterday.