That sucks I got him from the reptile shop where I got my original rat, and he's only...7 months old tops? I don't know, I didn't notice the skin irritation until I switched from the crappy carefresh to aspen....so maybe I'll try a different bedding, like the kiln dried pine that was suggested by Rich and Jerry. I'll call my vet and see if they will prescribe Baytril without having to see him again. If there's no improvements in a few weeks, maybe I'll try and find a medicated pet shampoo?