I've seen this in some of my corns too. I think they are a little more prone to getting it than the other rat snakes that I have... probably because they have smooth (unkeeled) scales and softer skin, though I've seen it in my yellow rats too.

I've never been able to figure out what caused it, but as a general rule it seems to go away after the next shed. Sometimes the scales are even bent, and this goes away too. If he is overdue for a shed the rough patch is likely just due to his scales being a bit worn and need to be replaced (that is one reason why they keep shedding after they're done growing, after all). 

I wouldn't worry too much about using a medication on it unless the area is growing in size or it remains after several sheds. I can't think of any bacteria that would degrade the keratin scales of a snake, but that does not mean that none exist. If the problem is anything other than bacterial, then neosporin would not help. Vasoline would only help if it is a moisture problem, but that isn't likely if your humidity is good. If the problem goes away after the shed but comes back soon after, you may have a parasite problem or a source of fungal or bacterial infection in the habitat. If it goes away and only comes back close to shedding time, then it is just worn scales.

If it keeps growing, wears the scales down to the skin, or persists through several sheds, you may want to see a vet. My best guess is that something like that could be fungal or due to an internal infection, though again, I have never heard of such.

It sounds kind of uncaring to just "wait and see", I know, but a good shed will probably get rid of the symptoms. Shedding removes parasites or infections that were on the old skin and replaces the old worn scales with new ones (though sometimes even new ones will be rough, just due to an odd development of those scales). It prevents the stress of medicating or taking the snake to the vet, and eliminates the chances of side effects from whatever "medication" you might use. It could also save a lot of money, though that is obviously less important than the well-being of the animal.

If It's  red and raw looking you can use soem neosporin  or similar medicated cream

Oops. Yeah, if the skin looks like it's actually broken then definitely medicate.

The skin isn't red, broken, irritated, or inflamed at all. It looks like a very thin and transparent layer of his scales just peeled away from the actual scale and sort of "stick up", basically. I never notice him doing any rubbing, although he has an acrylic viv, and who knows what he does when I'm asleep. You're probably right, he's most likely just overdue for a shed. Good to know someone else has seen this happen too. I'll give him a soak, and leave it be unless it worsens or spreads. If it does either, I'll definitely seek a vet's opinion. He's reluctant to use a humid hide before shedding, so he may naturally be a bit more dry skinned than my other snake. I have to mist him during a shed for extra moisture. Luckily, he's always shed very well.

Yep, sounds EXACTLY like what I've seen. He should be fine. :-)

Good to know!

You can rub a little bit of mineral oil on the area.  This will help prevent drying out more and cracking.  My girl does that when she is close to shed.  It clears up with the shed. 

I was told by someone on a ball python forum to NOT use mineral oil or Neosporin - both cause flaking. My ball python has a kink that causes his tail to look like a little cinnamon bun, and I've been told to make sure the tail doesn't have problems with shedding, so I used mineral oil on him and guess what? He's flaking...I'm here looking to see what I can do!! Vitamin E oil might be easier, but make sure it's 100% pure. There are a lot out there that say they are 100% but actually are mixed with different ones, and a few had avocado oil. Since they are toxic to herbivorous/omnivorous lizards I figure no good could come out of that.

Let me know how it works and what you do!