Along with the ThunderShirt, a Calming Collar helps during thunderstorms.
http://www.calmingcollars.com/
My Ruby had what I thought was hot spots. I got a few different things from the vet but nothing helped. As I look back on the issue, we were in the process of moving. I think the spots could have been a result of stress. I did use cornstarch and they disappeared. Can't say if the cornstarch helped or the fact that we settled down. Cornstarch is cheap and I don't know of any adverse affects from it. Worth a try to dry up spots.