My Boykin Spaniel has skin allergies that have resisted all treatments except steroids.  They have made her bulk up and gain 15 lbs that she can ill afford.  A friend suggested an old time remedy that he has used for 30+ years on his children AND dogs.  It is called S.T.37.  That's right, that is the whole name, S.T.37.  It is a first aid antiseptic/oral pain reliever for burns, cuts, abrasions and hygienic care of the mouth.  I have been using it in a diluted form (half water - half solution) for 6 days.  She has just about quit scratching and excessive licking and is no longer taking the steroids.  Another friend is using it on his dogs face where the sores from scratching were bleeding and they are healing.  He had been using antibiotics with no results.  It takes spraying the affected area and gently rubbing it past the hair to the skin as often as you see them scratching.  The first 2 days were intense and since then I only have to spray once or twice a day and then the scratching insn't obsessive.  It is available only through WalMart, they will order it for you and will be at the store the following day, and costs $13/for 16 oz.  Steroids are not the best solution for any problem and this is non-invasive and without side effects.  The dogs can ingest it through licking without harm and it can be used in the ears for fungal infections as well.  If it gets in the eyes it doesn't burn or hurt them.  Coco just looks at me when I come to her with the spray bottle and waits while I spray her.  If it hurs or burned, she would run.  Hope this is of some help to you.