well when you said patches it made me think of eczema which is what i have...but if you've never had it before it might be something new you're using like a detergent or soap. not drinking enough water could make your skin dry too! Sometimes oils and lotions dont help because they have dyes and perfumes in them that can dry out ur skin...
I always use lotions for babies or all natural stuff - they seem to work the best. I've also come to enjoy aveeno bath/shower oil. you just splash it all over yourself while you're in the shower and rinse it off. its awesome!
oh and changes in weather can hurt ur skin too. cold weather always gets me...
hope something helped