Bad skin allergy - rooibos the answer?

So I've been struggling with Hiccup's skin lately, its become incredibly itchy, red, inflamed and he does not stop scratching it. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to diagnose the cause - all the skin scrapes, hair plucks, sellotape tests etc came back negative so he's on antibiotics to control the secondary infection and medicated shampoo. Unfortunately it's not responsive to preds (a short, itch busting course) so there is nothing I can do to help with the itchiness which makes me feel terrible. Anyway, the plan is to start a diet trial next week and see if its a food allergy.

In the meantime, Hiccup loves to go outside and scratch himself by pulling himself along the grass, which just makes it worse. This evening after his walk, his skin under his armpits, belly and groin looked atrocious - so red and sore! So I started looking online for homeopathic remedies and found out that a rooibos tea bath helps humans with eczema so I made up a strong rooibos tea, cooled it down and then spread it over the inflamed skin. It was only the first treatment but already (2 hours later) his skin is so much better, not nearly as red and he's at last asleep (he's been keeping me up all night scratching the last while).

So while its just the start of experimenting with it, the results look promising so just a heads up in case anyone else is also at their wits end with their beloved Staff's skin. Will try take and post some before and after pictures for those who are interested.

EDIT: I'll try keep this thread updated with how well the rooibos treatment works (if it does!) and if it continues to help him.

Awww bless.

Your could try half a piriton tablet, this would help with the itching, and redness if it is an allergy.

What food do use ?

I had to switch to a hypoallergenic food as my girl has skin probs as a pup.

Unfortunately, I've tried antihistamines and that hasn't helped either. I spoke to one of our Small Animal Medicine specialists about it but he says even if he didn't respond to the antihistamine, doesn't mean its not an allergy.

He's on Hills Science Plan Healthy Development Medium Breed Puppy.

Yep, we're going onto a home cooked venison and rice diet for an 8 week trial and then, if the trial reveals it is a food allergy, either move onto a novel protein or hypoallergenic diet or continue with the home cooked - depending on how difficult I find it =)

Sounds very uncomfortable, really hope you can get to the bottom of it, please keep us updated on any progress