Very interested in itch relief myself. Increasing allergic reaction to leech bites (and ants).

Last one I got an 8cm diameter red raised area of induration, which soon became insanely itchy. They can still be itchy a month later. Very inconvenient in Tassie! Especially if i end up with a dozen or more leech bites.
Have tried:
- paraderm plus (antiseptic, anaesthetic & anti-inflammatory)
- 1% hydrocortisone cream
- tea tree oil
- aloe vera gel
- stingose
- calamine lotion
- ice packs (a bit tricky in the bush, but short term relief at home) A soak in a creek helps for a bit, but I can't stay there all day...
- phenergen 25mg
- various combinations of the above
- better prevention - so far no insect repellents, including the maximum deet ones (on pants, socks, skin, gaiters, boots) have dissuaded those critters altogether from a good feed.
Sought other ideas from a pharmacist - I'd covered all his suggestions. Except to think re oral steroids. I still have a few (old ones) from the days when I had asthma attacks.
25mg prednisone, for 2-3 days. That works, but is a bit dramatic. Don't like doing that more than once or twice a year.
Will try anusol (thanks, GPSg). Memories of tiger balm smell on everything, not so keen to use that.