Skin conditions in geckos

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. Some geckos have specialized skin on their feet with tiny ridges on the sole; these act like adhesive suckers allowing the gecko to stick to glass so that he is able to walk up the walls of his house!

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

When it is time to shed, your gecko 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. If your gecko 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. Regular lukewarm bathing can  also help.

It is important to keep a diary of how often your gecko sheds. Sometimes geckos have problems shedding; this is known as dysecdysis and is one of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinarian. Inspect your gecko closely after he has shed to make sure that all the old skin has come away from his body. Sometimes pieces of skin may stay wrapped around the toe area; this can cut off the blood supply and the gecko can lose his toe!

Lack of humidity is one of the most common reasons for failure to shed. You can increase the humidity by spraying the tank with water 2-3 times daily or providing a hide for your gecko with damp moss inside. Just make sure it is not too damp as this can lead to a build-up of bacteria which can cause ulcers to form on the skin. Make sure that the temperature in your gecko’s house is correct; if it is too cold he will struggle to shed. Your gecko’s vivarium temperature should warmer during the day and cooler at night. The vivarium should have a warmer and a cooler end to allow your gecko to control his temperature.

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 gecko’s house will help him fight off infection, and a good diet will also keep the immune system healthy.

If your gecko 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 veterinary treatment may be needed to help treat the condition.

Burns

Thermal burns happen when geckos come into contact with an unprotected hot surface; this could be a heat lamp or a hot rock. Geckos 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 gecko’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 is within the correct range and that the thermostats and heating are  working properly.

Thermal burns will need to be checked by your veterinarian in case treatment needs to be prescribed.

Nutritional skin disease

Poor diet can affect the skin. Vitamin A is very important to a gecko’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 then feeding subsequently becomes a challenge. You may need to assist your gecko in feeding whilst his eyes and mouth are 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.

Make sure you feed your gecko 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 greens and fish food flakes. Also dust the live food with a calcium supplement before feeding them to your gecko or gut load your insects with specific calcium fortified insect foods

To help your gecko make vitamin D3, his UV bulb needs to have the correct strength and position; 30-45cm away from his regular basking spot

Most nutritional diseases require veterinary assistance.