I have heard great and wonderful things about Zanfel and I am going to try it this year (it is a given I will get the stuff every year -- several times). My doctor told me when I knew I had come in contact with it, start taking an antihistamine. After all, it is an allergic reaction to the oils on the stuff. This has helped reduce the itching and breakouts for me. Also, take a cool bath or shower instead of warm or hot. If the itching is bothering you really bad, an ice cube (use only when you don't have something slathered on it) will help out in a pinch.

Good luck.