Doberman Pinschers

our 3 yr old doberman has suddenly developed a strange rash on his armpit and thigh areas. we're also noticing that it's all around the neck area as well.
it almost looks like eczema. i've had that for 50 yrs and always used a topical steroidal cream, like a 1% cortisone. would that be okay to use on lucky?
it doesn't seem to bother him, unless i try to touch it. then it seems he's a bit sensitive.
anyone out there have any ideas before we dump a ton of cash at the local vet???
we thank you and lucky thanks you, too!

Is he/she running in tall weeds? We had a dobie that was sensitive to something outside and would break out like hives or something. Soon as she was not allowed in that area she stopped. We had moved btw. After that she never got it again. They also seem to do hot spots. Make sure it isn't that. Good luck.