Skin conditions in chameleons

The skin is the largest organ of the body. Reptile skin is unique and has many functions which include protecting the body, providing camouflage and making vitamin D3. Chameleons have special cells in the skin called chromatophores; these allow the chameleon to change colour. Color changes are the result of mood changes or potential threats, it can help them camoflage from potential threats.

When mammals grow their skin stretches and grows too. Reptiles are different and not as elasticated as mammal skin, so therefore their skin does not stretch with growth. Therefore, the ability to shed skin is very important to your chameleon.

When it is time to shed, your chameleon will produce a lymph fluid which helps to separate the old and the new skin; this is a process known as ecdysis. At this stage his skin will look dull and bluish. He will naturally rub himself against rough or moist furniture to remove his old skin in large pieces. You will now see his shiny and colorful new skin start to appear.

It is advisable to keep a diary of how often your chameleon sheds.

Sometimes chameleons have problems shedding; this is known as dysecdysis. This is one of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinarian. Make sure that the temperature in your chameleon’s house is correct, if it is too cold he will struggle to shed, and lack of humidity is one of the most common reasons for failure to shed. You can increase the humidity by spraying the vivarium with water, just make sure it does not become too wet as this can lead to ulcers forming on the skin. Dehydration also makes shedding difficult so ensuring your vivarium is sprayed 2-3 times daily provides the chameleon with chances to drip the water droplets that fall off furnishings.

If your chameleon is struggling to shed as well as looking at humidity and hydration, ensure he has adequate surfaces to aid him shedding. Providing rolled up wet towels can help as this provides a gentle but abrasive surface for him to potentially rub against and aid shedding.  Luke warm bathing regularly can also help.

Any problems relating to shedding should be closely monitored. If none of the above is helping, then it’s best to seek veterinary advice.

Abscesses

Abscesses are lumps on the skin which are infected with bacteria or fungi; damaged skin is a common cause of infection; check for sharp objects in the house and make sure all furniture has smooth edges. Correct temperature in your tortoise’s house will help him fight off infection, and a good diet will also keep the immune system healthy.

If your chameleon develops an abscess it is likely to need to be removed surgically under general anesthesia.

Fungal infections are very difficult to treat, and a considerable amount of medicine may be needed to cure any disease. The Veterinary surgeon may want to also send away samples for culturing to ensure the abscess can be treated with the correct medications.

Burns

Thermal burns happen when chameleons come into contact with an unprotected hot surface; this could be a heat lamp or a hot rock. Chameleons seem to have difficulty detecting hot surfaces and do not react until serious damage has already been done to their skin.

Always check that any bulbs, heat pads or hot rocks in your chameleon’s house are working correctly to prevent burning. If the heat bulb is inside the house always ensure that it has a wire cage around it. Ensure you are checking the temperature of the vivarium to ensure thermostats and heating is working properly.

Thermal burns will require veterinary care. This treatment may include creams and antibiotics.

Nutritional skin disease

Poor diet can affect the skin. Vitamin A is very important to a chameleon’s skin; too little of it makes the skin of the eyes and mouth become swollen. Poor sight will make it very difficult to see and therefore feeding becomes a challenge. You may need to assist your Chameleon in feeding whilst his eyes and mouth become swollen. Too much vitamin A in the diet causes the skin to become thickened and flaky. A diet with low calcium and low vitamin D3, but with lots of fat, can result in the body growing too quickly; this leads to weak bones and skin that sheds over and over again.

To help your chameleon make vitamin D3 his UV bulb needs to have the correct strength and be placed in the correct position, about 30-45 cm away from his regular basking spot.

Make sure you feed your chameleon a balanced diet to ensure he receives an adequate amount of nutrients, vitamins and minerals to keep his skin healthy. Remember to feed his live food on fresh fruits and vegetables amongst other food. Ensure you research foods that are safe for your chameleon. Also dust the live food with a calcium supplement before feeding to your chameleon or gut load your insects with specific calcium fortified insect foods.

Most nutritional diseases require veterinary assistance.

Mites

Look for little black or red dots on the skin. The mites breed in the house. They bite the skin which becomes very itchy. Affected chameleons are often restless and will rub their face and skin potentially causing more damage.

Your chameleon’s housing will need to be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of all the mites and their eggs. The furniture will need to be cleaned and fresh substrate placed in your chameleon’s house.

Don’t take your chameleon to a pet shop when you go on holiday; mites can spread very easily. Try to find a carer that is happy to come to your house to care for him rather than moving your chameleon to a strange new environment elsewhere. Alternatively, it’s worth considering if you can move your chameleon’s whole vivarium to the carers house if they would prefer to care for your chameleon in their own home.

Parasites is a risk when choosing a carer. If your chameleon is either living in isolation, or in an isolated group, suddenly placing him in an environment where there are other chameleons is dangerous; there is a huge risk of parasites spreading. Wherever possible, arrange for your chameleon to be cared for at your own home rather than letting the carer take your chameleon to their own set up.

Your chameleon will need parasite medication to kill the mites. Ensure you take you chameleon to a veterinary surgeon to ensure he is prescribed with the correct medications.

Gangrene

Gangrene is seen commonly in chameleons.

There are two types of gangrene, wet and dry. Dry gangrene is the most common and is caused by bacteria that invade the skin causing it to die, and is seen in the tail, hands and feet. Untreated gangrene may cause your chameleon to lose a toe or even a whole foot.

Make sure there are no sharp edges in the house or on the furniture which may cut your chameleon, and keep an eye on any house mates to make sure they are not fighting. Ensure your chameleon’s housing maintains the correct temperature which will help him chameleon fight infection.

Gangrene will need surgical and medical treatment by a veterinarian.