Introduction to skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos

Abnormal skin shedding is commonly seen in Leopard geckos and is called dysecdysis^(32)(54).

Leopard geckos shed the outer parts of their skin as they grow⁽³²⁾. Skin shedding (also called ecdysis⁽⁵⁴⁾, moulting⁽⁵⁴⁾ or sloughing⁽⁵⁴⁾) is seen from time to time and is more frequent in baby and juvenile Leopard geckos.

Old skin is typically sloughed every 10 to 14 days in baby and juvenile Leopard geckos and every 4 to 8⁽³²⁾ weeks in adults. During the shedding process, the skin will turn dull⁽⁵⁷⁾ (white to grey) after which pieces will start to become loose and peel off.

Leopard geckos will often eat their sloughed skins^(32)(54).

Unlike some other lizards, Leopard geckos will often shed their skin in one complete piece⁽⁵⁴⁾, but shedding can also happen in a couple of large pieces. The active skin shedding process will take place over a short period of time (one to two hours in Leopard geckos⁽³²⁾).

By keeping records, normal patterns, frequencies and durations of a Leopard gecko’s skin sheddings can be monitored for abnormalities.

Also see
Leopard gecko skin shedding — an ‘a pealing’ affair
Skin eating behaviour in Leopard geckos

Abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos (dysecdysis)

There are various reasons for Leopard geckos not to shed their skins normally.

In the author’s experience, most shedding problems in Leopard geckos are due to incorrect husbandry (mainly environmental humidity and temperature). Other contributing factors include health problems (such as skin infections and hypovitaminosis A), skin parasites, stress, injuries and excessive handling during the shedding period.

By knowing what normal skin shedding looks like, abnormal or difficult skin shedding can be identified.

Also see
Handling a Leopard gecko

Signs of abnormal skin shedding

Abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos is evident by one or more of the following:

• Prolonged skin shedding (i.e. taking longer than a couple of hours for the entire skin to come off)
• Partial shedding (i.e. the skin is peeling off in multiple small pieces and some pieces still stay behind on the body)
• Prolonged periods between one skin shed to the next

Environmental problems

Environmental problems leading to abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos include incorrect humidities and temperatures⁽⁶²⁾ and are often due to incorrect husbandry. Ambient temperature and humidity are also reported in the literature to possibly have an effect on the frequency of ecdysis⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Humidity

The humidity is probably the most frequently reported reason for skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos. A low humidity (i.e. a too dry environment) prevents old skin from loosening properly, leading to pieces remaining stuck on the body⁽³⁰⁾.

In cases where the humidity is too low, Leopard geckos will often struggle with prolonged and partial skin shedding. It is often observed by Leopard geckos spending more time soaking in their water dishes.

To overcome most humidity-related problems, one or more humidifying shelters need to be supplied⁽³⁰⁾. Humidifying shelters can be commercial or home-made and is usually in the form of an enclosed hide box with a moist substrate.

Zoo Med has an all-natural, sustainably harvested Sphagnum moss that contains no dyes or chemicals. Sphagnum moss is ideal to use as a substrate for humidifying shelters. Available from Amazon.com

Also see
Leopard gecko hide areas and hide boxes
Leopard gecko soaking — warning signs

Temperature

Leopard geckos will thrive in temperatures of 25–30 ºC / 77–86 ºF⁽²³⁾ with a drop to room temperature during the evenings. Temperatures can be measured using a thermometer.

When the environmental temperature is too low, it can lead to chronic stress, retarded growth and diseases. Too high temperatures will have a decreasing effect on the environmental humidity and can also be seen as Leopard geckos spending more time soaking in their water bowls.

Also see
Supplying heat to pet Leopard geckos

The frequency of normal skin shedding in Leopard geckos is mainly dependant on factors such as growth rate, the season, hibernation (brumation), mating⁽⁵⁴⁾ and nutritional status.

Additional factors contributing to the frequency of normal skin shedding in Leopard geckos include the reproductive status, parasite load, hormonal balance and infection with bacterial or other skin pathogens⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Malnourishment

Malnourished Leopard geckos will show prolonged skin shedding and prolonged periods between sheds. The nutritional status will be dependant on correct feeding and the health status of the Leopard gecko.

It was observed medically by some authors that severely malnourished lizards appear to have very difficult and irregular sloughs⁽⁵⁵⁾. This might be due to the fact that hypoproteinemic animals are unable to produce the full complement of enzymes necessary to complete the breakdown between new and old skin⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Hypovitaminosis A

Vitamin A deficiency has been reported to contribute to dysecdysis in Leopard geckos^(30)(32)(62). Apart from problematic sheds, a deficiency in vitamin A also leads to other eye-related problems such as keratitis, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and periocular abscesses. Chronic cases can result in dry eye with subsequent corneal scarring and blindness⁽³⁰⁾.

Crickets are unable to store vitamin A making Leopard geckos sustained on a non-gut-loaded, non-supplemented diet of crickets prone to develop this condition. Hypovitaminosis A results in squamous metaplasia of epithelium, which reduces fluid secretion by the skin and affects the separation of the old and new layers⁽³²⁾.

Note that it is also easy to overdose Leopard geckos with vitamin A, which leads to iatrogenic skin pathology. Gradual replenishment of vitamin A stores using the correct nutrition and long-term low dose oral supplementation is the safest treatment of hypovitaminosis A⁽³²⁾.

Complications of dysecdysis

Abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos is associated with many potential problems. A major problem includes the constriction of toes, parts of the tail, legs and feet⁽³²⁾. Unslaughed skin that remains in these areas has a restriction effect (almost like a tourniquet) due to the expansion of the area underneath.

Areas/extremities distal to constrictions are deprived of normal blood flow and are ultimately at risk for avascular necrosis⁽³²⁾ and detachment if not treated.

Leopard gecko foot missing multiple toes due to skin constrictions and avascular necrosis secondary to dysecdysis. Image © Renier Delport

Another complication due to dysecdysis in Leopard geckos is secondary skin, mouth and eye infections⁽³²⁾. Retained skin can serve as growing sites for various types of fungi and bacteria⁽³²⁾. When the areas around the eyes are affected, keratitis and conjunctivitis are commonly seen⁽³²⁾.

Treating skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos

The treatment of Leopard gecko shedding problems is threefold:

• remove the remaining skin
• treat the underlying cause
• treat the complications

In Leopard geckos, dysecdysis is almost always the consequence of other problems. Identifying these problems is often more important than identifying the shedding problem itself.

Immediate home management includes increasing the humidity by either increasing the size of the water bowl and/or adding a hide box with a moist substrate (aka humidifying shelter).

Starting when the skin turns dull, the shedding process of Leopard geckos can also be helped by daily gentle misting of the enclosure and daily lukewarm baths in a shallow container. The water temperature used for bathing/soaking and misting should be in the desired temperature range of Leopard geckos (25–30 ºC / 77–86 ºF⁽²³⁾). A thermometer can be used to measure the temperature of the water.

Also see
Leopard gecko hide areas and hide boxes
Leopard gecko thermometers
Correct humidity for Leopard geckos

If the shedding problems persist, reoccurs and/or there are already pieces of skin stuck to the body, professional help is indicated. Leopard geckos with persistent shedding problems should be evaluated by a reptile friendly veterinarian.

In the case where pieces of skin are stuck around the toes, feet or tail it can be removed by soaking the affected area in lukewarm warm water and gently teasing loose fragments away with damp cotton buds and atraumatic forceps⁽³²⁾. Pieces around the eyes can also be removed this way, but these areas often require additional medicines against eye infections⁽³²⁾.

Hypovitaminosis A is treated by 0.01 mL of vitamin A/D (500 000 IU/ml vitamin A) SC, repeated in two weeks. The diet should also be corrected⁽³⁰⁾.

Conclusion

Although the most common reason for skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos is often the result of incorrect husbandry, other, even more, serious factors can play a role. In persistent cases where potential environmental problems have been resolved, professional help is indicated.

References

Cited references

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The post Leopard gecko skin shedding problems appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

Introduction to skin shedding in Leopard geckos

For reptiles, shedding the outer parts of their skins are normal⁽⁵⁴⁾. Initially, the skin will turn white to grey (dull⁽⁵⁷⁾) after which pieces will start to become loose and peel off. Having eyelids, the skin covering the eyes does not typically turn dull. The old skin often comes off as one complete piece, leaving a new, larger, and brighter layer of skin behind.

Shedding in reptiles functions as the replacement of old, worn skin and helps to get rid of external parasites (mites and ticks)⁽⁵⁴⁾. The skin shedding process is also called ecdysis⁽⁵⁴⁾, moulting⁽⁵⁴⁾ or sloughing and the sloughed skin can also be referred to as the slough⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Skin shedding is a physiological process where the old skin is removed to give way for a newer, usually larger one. It is controlled by the thyroid gland⁽⁵⁴⁾. Reptile skin consists of multiple layers and it is only the outer, dry part of the skin (called the superficial epidermis or cornified layer) that gets moulted.

Before the old layer is moulted, a new layer is already formed underneath. When its time to shed, fluid, lymph, red blood cells and enzymes are secreted that encourage separation of the outermost layer from the, still growing, inner layers⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Skin shedding in Leopard geckos

Unlike some other, shorter lizards⁽⁵⁴⁾, Leopard geckos will often shed their skin in one complete piece⁽⁵⁴⁾. Shedding can also happen in a couple of large pieces. The old skin breaks near the mouth and in many cases, the cast skin peels backwards over the body from head to tail. The active skin shedding process will take place over a short period of time (usually one to two hours in Leopard geckos⁽³²⁾).

Often, old skin is eaten by the Leopard gecko^(32)(59)(62) and shedding will take place at night — thus the process is easily missed⁽³⁰⁾.

An adult Leopard gecko in the process of shedding its skin, and eating it. In this case, the skin is actively peeled off by biting and pulling on the old skin using its mouth. Image NATURE CLIPS (CC BY YouTube)

Frequency pf skin shedding and growth rate

Baby and juvenile Leopard geckos grow faster meaning they will shed their skins more frequently than adults — typically every 10⁽³²⁾ to 14 days. The growth rate will depend on factors such as the amount of food given, the environmental temperature, health status and the genes of the Leopard gecko.

Adult Leopard geckos will shed approximately every 4 to 8⁽³²⁾ weeks. Skin shedding is often an indication that a Leopard gecko is healthy and growing. Pet Leopard geckos tend to shed more often than wild Leopard geckos.

Other than the growth rate, the frequency of skin sloughing also depends on factors such as the season, hibernation (brumation), mating⁽⁵⁴⁾. The state of nutrition, reproductive status, parasite load, hormonal balance, infection with bacterial or other skin pathogens, ambient temperature, and humidity may also have an effect on the frequency of ecdysis⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Owners can keep records of the patterns, frequencies and durations of a Leopard gecko’s skin sheddings. Records will help to predict the frequency of sheddings and can be used to monitor for abnormalities.

Also see
What to look for in a healthy Leopard gecko
Correct humidity for pet Leopard geckos

While shedding, Leopard geckos will often change their behaviour. Normal behavioural changes before, during and after the shedding process include:

During shedding, Leopard geckos are often seen rubbing their face and body against the sides of the enclosure, enclosure furniture and the floor. Some will also be seen biting at their legs and at loose pieces of skin.

To what is believed to aid in the shedding process, Leopard geckos will often be seen eating their sheds^(32)(59).

During the shedding process, Leopard geckos will often rub against rough surfaces of the terrarium. This is to start the shedding process by creating ‘peeling areas’. Image Lalji Shiyani (CC BY YouTube)

During the shedding process, Leopard geckos may spend more time in their humidifying shelters hiding away or moving to safe places. It is not uncommon for Leopard geckos to refuse to eat or eat less before and during the shedding process⁽⁵⁴⁾.

Anorexia (unwillingness to eat) might even start days before the old skin is to be shed⁽⁵⁴⁾. This is likely due to the sensitivity of the new/fresh skin and the restricting nature of the old skin — making it more difficult to move around.

Leopard geckos might also be seen soaking in their water dishes during the shedding process — especially when it is problematic. By keeping the old skin moist, it will separate more easily from the body.

Also see
Leopard gecko soaking — warning signs
Skin eating behaviour in Leopard geckos

Helping Leopard geckos during skin shedding

For pet Leopard geckos, skin shedding comes with a lot of potential problems and challenges. Skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos (dysecdysis) are frequently seen.

Major contributing factors include a too low environmental humidity⁽⁵⁴⁾, low temperatures, improper nutrition and insufficient enclosure furniture for rubbing⁽⁵⁵⁾. One of the most important things that will aid in normal skin shedding in Leopard geckos is the supply of a humidifying shelter (hide box containing a moist substrate).

A correctly set up hide box will most often be enough to supply all the required humidity and will also double as a place to hide during this fragile period. Popular hide box substrates include peat/sphagnum moss⁽³⁴⁾ and vermiculite⁽³⁰⁾ that is wetted with an equal amount of water. Sprayed paper towel can also be used. The substrate should not be soggy wet but feel moist by touching it.

Other than supplying a humidifying shelter, other quick ways to increase the environmental humidity is by increasing the size of the water bowl and by misting the enclosure. Some Leopard geckos might soak more frequently in their water containers during the skin shedding process.

Twice a day misting (i.e. spraying) with lukewarm water will aid in increasing the overall environmental humidity during this period. The temperature of the spraying water needs to be similar to that of the enclosure (i.e. 25–30 ºC / 77–86 ºF⁽²³⁾, use a thermometer).

It was observed medically by some authors that severely malnourished lizards appear to have very difficult and irregular sloughs⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Items such as logs, rocks and pieces of dry wood can be used to create areas for rubbing.

Also see
Skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos
Leopard gecko hide areas and hide boxes
Ensuring the correct humidity for pet Leopard geckos
Suitable substrates for Leopard geckos

Handling Leopard geckos during skin shedding

Fresh skin is still fragile and more sensitive than the old one. It is therefore encouraged to keep handling to an as-needed basis while a Leopard gecko is in the process of shedding. Handling should be restricted up to a couple of days after the shedding process has finished.

Also see
Handling a Leopard gecko

Conclusion

Owners often see their Leopard geckos shedding its skin. It is normal in reptiles. While a Leopard gecko is shedding its skin, certain behaviours can be expected and there are various things owners can do to ease the process.

The post Leopard Gecko Skin shedding and a peeling affair appeared first on Leopard Gecko.

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Abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos (also known as dysecdysis) is usually an indication that something else is wrong. This post discusses what abnormal skin shedding look like in Leopard geckos and point out its most common reasons.

Leopard geckos shed the outer parts of their skin as they grow. Skin shedding (also called ecdysis or moulting) is seen from time to time and is more frequent in baby and juvenile Leopard geckos.

Normal skin shedding in Leopard geckos

During the shedding process, the skin will turn white to grey after which pieces will start to become loose and peel off. Normally, Leopard geckos will shed their skins in one, large, complete piece. It is also normal for Leopard geckos to eat their sloughed skins in the process. The frequency at which Leopard geckos shed their skins is more or less dependant on the rate at which they grow. Adult Leopard geckos will shed approximately every 4 to 5 weeks and the skin shedding process should take a couple of hours at most. Also see Leopard gecko skin shedding for more information.

Normal behavioural changes before, during and after the shedding process include the following:

• Agitation, sometimes leading to biting behaviour
• Lethargy in the form of moving slower, or moving less
• Hiding and spending more time in the hide box
• Anorexia (no or reduced appetite)
• Soaking in the water dish (also see soaking behaviour in Leopard geckos for more information).

By keeping records, normal patterns, frequencies and durations of your own Leopard gecko’s skin sheddings can be archived and monitored for abnormalities.

Abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos

Abnormal skin shedding (dysecdysis) in Leopard geckos is evident by one or more of the following:

• Prolonged skin shedding (taking more than a day or two from when skin peeling starts)
• Partial shedding, i.e. the skin is peeling off in multiple small pieces and some pieces still stay behind on the body.
• Prolonged periods between one skin shed to the next
• Excessive time spent in the water container

Skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos can be due to various factors. Most shedding problems occur when there is a deviation in the main environmental factors. Other contributing factors include age, skin infections, Leopard gecko parasites, stress, injuries and excessive handling during the shedding period.  Abnormal skin shedding is also often the result of health problems such as hypovitaminosis A.

Common environmental reasons for dysecdysis include incorrect temperatures and wrong humidities. Leopard geckos will thrive in temperatures of 25 – 32 ºC / 77 – 90 ºF with a drop to room temperature during the evenings. Temperatures can be measured using a thermometer. When the environmental temperature is too low, it can lead to chronic stress, retarded growth and diseases. The humidity is probably the single factor leading to most Leopard gecko shedding problems. A low humidity (i.e. a too dry environment) prevents old skin from loosening properly, leading to pieces remaining stuck on the body.

Potential complications from shedding problems

Abnormal skin shedding in Leopard geckos does not go without potential problems. A major problem includes the constriction of toes, parts of the tail, legs and feet. Unslaughed skin that remains in these areas has a restriction effect (almost like a tourniquet) due to the expansion of the area underneath. Areas/extremities distal to constrictions are deprived of normal blood flow and are ultimately at risk for tissue necrosis and detachment.

Leopard gecko foot missing multiple toes due to skin constrictions.

Another complication due to dysecdysis in Leopard geckos is secondary skin, mouth and eye infections. Retained skin can serve as growing sites for various bacteria.

How to treat skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos

In Leopard geckos, dysecdysis is almost always the consequence of other problems. Identifying these problems is often more important than identifying the shedding problem itself.

Immediate home management includes increasing the humidity by either increasing the size of the water bowl and/or adding a hide box with a moist substrate. If you already have a hide box, make sure that the substrate is fresh and moist. Starting when the skin turns dull, the shedding process of Leopard geckos can also be helped by daily gentle misting of the enclosure and daily lukewarm baths in a shallow container. If the shedding problems persist, reoccurs and/or there are already pieces of skin stuck to the body, professional help is indicated.

Leopard geckos with shedding problems should be evaluated by a reptile friendly veterinarian. The treatment of Leopard gecko shedding problems is threefold, namely to remove the remaining skin, to treat the underlying cause and to treat the complications.

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The post Skin shedding problems in Leopard geckos appeared first on Leopard Gecko.