Hi chas, some dogs are definitely prone to skin problems and sensitive to allergies (like Westies, for example).
Our Collie has a flea allergy (despite a tight flea control routine). He is now flead every 3 weeks rather than every 4.
It can often be a process of elimination, as allergies can be to anything from food, to dust mites, to pollen, to grass, to particular detergents or cleaning agents.
Lankeela and jules (the doggy duo!) both recommended Liverine Unction Cream to me, for the sore, red patches where Jack had been scratching or biting. I got it on Ebay, reasonably priced, and it does soothe his skin. Tea tree spray (available from Pets at Home) also calms his skin down.
Jack is also gluten intolerant. Dogs, eh!
Give your Goldie a hug from me; they are lovely dogs. x