Skin conditions in lizards

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.

When mammals grow their skin stretches and grows too. Reptiles are different; their skin is 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 lizard.

When it is time to shed, your lizard 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 lizard 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. Lukewarm bathing regularly can also help.

It is important to keep a diary of how often your lizard sheds.

Sometimes lizards have problems shedding; this is known as dysecdysis and is one of the most common reasons for visiting a veterinarian.

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; just make sure it is not too wet as this can lead to ulcers forming on the skin. Make sure that the temperature in your lizard’s house is correct; if it too cold he will struggle to shed.

Any problems relating to shedding should be closely monitored. If none of the above is helping then its 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 lizard develops an abscess he 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 lizards come into contact with an unprotected hot surface; this could be a heat lamp or a hot rock. Lizards 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 lizard’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 need to be checked by a veterinarian just in case treatment needs to be prescribed.

Nutritional skin disease

Poor diet can affect the skin.

Vitamin A is very important to a lizard’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 lizard 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 lizard make vitamin D3, his UV bulb need to have the correct strength and be place in the correct position.

Make sure you feed your lizard 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 lizard or gut load your insects with specific calcium fortified insect foods.

Most nutritional diseases require veterinary assistance.

Cuts and abrasions

Very active lizards can damage their face against the glass or plastic in the house which can be serious.

A band of cardboard, or a towel over the front of the house helps the lizard to see the glass and it is important to check all the furniture in the house for sharp edges.

Cuts often need antibiotics and cream to help them heal.

Mites

Mites will look like little black or red dots on the skin which will bite the skin and become very itchy. Affected lizards are often restless and will rub their face and skin potentially causing more damage.

The mites breed in the house, so your lizard’s house will need to be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of all the mites and their eggs. The furniture in the house will also need to be cleaned and fresh substrate placed on the floor. Your veterinarian will also be able to prescribe you some a treatment which will kill the mites.

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

Ensure you take your lizard to a veterinary surgeon to ensure he is prescribed with the correct medications.

Gangrene

Gangrene is seen commonly in lizards. There are two types, wet and dry. Dry gangrene is most common and is caused by bacteria that invades the skin and causes it to die. It is seen in the tail, hands and feet. Untreated gangrene may cause your lizard to lose a toe or a whole foot.

Make sure there are no sharp edges in the house or on the furniture which may cause cuts to your lizard, and keep an eye on any house mates to make sure they are not fighting.

Remember that the correct temperature in your lizard’s house will help him fight infection.

Gangrene will need surgical and medical treatment by your veterinarian.