I find a really hard smack (the kind that stings and leaves a red mark) to the itchy zone sometimes gives me relief. I also have frozen the dickens out of my skin with ice- till it is so cold it practically is a cold burning sensation. Somehow I think it numbs the nerves that are acting up.

of course, my DH thinks giving me an "Indian burn" helps - all it does it make me madder that a snake!