Reptile skin conditions can range from stress-related discolorations to cysts caused by parasites. Just like on humans, the skin is the reptile’s largest organ and needs to be treated like the living thing it is and not just a covering on your pet. Reptile skin conditions can be a sign of a serious problem and should be treated by a reptile vet.

The most commonly seen reptile skin condition is an abscess. An abscess is the body’s way of reacting to an infection or an invasion by some foreign object, by forming an accumulation of pus around the affected area. The healthy cells around the infection or wound try to create a barrier around the problem to prevent it from spreading. Once an abscess develops on a reptile, it usually needs to be removed surgically.

Blisters are another reptile skin condition, usually caused by an improper environment. In the case of terrestrial reptiles, they are usually caused by an environment in which the humidity is too high. Aquatic reptiles, such as some turtles, can develop blisters from being in water that is not cleaned frequently enough.

Abrasions are caused when the reptile’s skin is damaged from rubbing against a hard surface. Abrasions are a fairly common reptile skin condition among breeds who frequently try to escape from their enclosures. Frequent abrasions can be an indication that changes need to be made in your reptile’s environment, to give him more space to move around so that he doesn’t try to enter spaces that are too small.

Cysts are large, fluid-filled growths on the skin of your reptile. They are often caused by a traumatic injury that causes the layers of skin to separate, such as a burn. Another cause of cysts can be parasites.

Some bacterial infections or fungi can cause a reptile’s skin to discolor or change texture in various sized patches. While discoloration can sometimes be caused by stress or a bruise on the surface of the skin, the causes can be much more serious as well.

Reptile skin conditions are usually far more than a simple cosmetic issue. They are a sign of an underlying issue, often a very serious one. It is important to have all reptile skin conditions evaluated and treated by a reptile vet. Reptiles do not have hair, and therefore do not have hair follicles that can get infected. Infected hair follicles are common causes of minor skin conditions among many animals. Lacking these follicles, though, reptile skin conditions are often an indication of a much more serious matter that needs prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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