Patches of Dry skin?

I recently noticed some patches of what seems like dry skin, but I have had this for about 2 weeks now and I am starting to get nervous.  The patches are red about 1cm and a half in size with flaky skin on top.  Can you tell me what this might be and whether I should go to a doctor for treatment right away?  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

J:

You don't say where the spots are, but wherever they are, they sound like eczema rather than just dry skin.  Why not try applying 1% hydrocortsione (OTC) twice a day for 5-7 days?  If the spots persist, you can see a doctor then.  

Best.

Dr. R

[Robin]

My son has excema, are their any herbal remendies for this condition?