Hi Raven's mom and thank you for the welcome and for your reponse. Well, I think Frankies dermatitis has gotten so severe that I can't seem to wipe it or wash it off. His skin and hair start peeling and bleed. I have been washing his bowls daily to limit any bacteria that he comes in contact with, but at this point my vet thinks it's more internal than external, that his body is fighting against itself. I even had him boarded at the vet for about a 5 days where he along with his enviorment could be monitored closely and meds given properly, but his body continued to produce the oily black crusts. When he has been free of the dermatitis, we really aren't sure why and what has really helped. Im wondering if stress could be causing his problems. I have another cat and a dog and they all get along great. Oh well, I'll continue searching for a solution. Thanks!