Stuck shed on head

[Ross85]

Hi,

My gecko never had any problems with shedding and I never even knew he shed for the first few months. Now for the past two or three sheds he has had some stuck shed on his head. There also seems to be more pieces of skin in the tank. The only difference I can see is the different drier winter season. Could this be the problem or could it be something else? There is plenty of moisture in the moist hide.

This last shed had the stuck shed on his head. The day after the shed I thought I got all of his shed off, but today(two days later) there was a little piece stuck on his upper lip and nose area. I worked at it for a little while and finally got it off, but then when it was off I noticed a little spot that looked like it took off the good skin underneath. The spot was right next to his nose, so maybe it was just a sensitive area, but I'm a little worried.

 

[HillDog]

There's not much rime or reason to stuck shed, it just kinda happens due to several conditions and varies leo to leo. As long as there is sufficient moisture in the moist hide, it's probably just your leo. I wouldn't worry too much about it, just keep getting any stuck shed off that's on the toes etc. I wouldn't really worry about the spot on his nose if it's not bleeding, it should be fine, but a picture would help. And give him a couple hours after you notice stuck shed to see if he can work it off himself, if not you can try gently removing it or soaking him in luke warm water for a few minutes before getting it off to help moisturize his skin and make removal easier. Hope this helps =)

 

[Ross85]

thanks a lot. I think the spot on his nose will be fine, I don't even think I could get a good close up pic of it. There wasn't blood coming out of it, it was just red. I waited two days before trying to get the shed off and that's why I was wondering why it would do that to his nose after that long. I guess all is good, he just usually has no problems.

Thanks,
Ross

 

[voretaq7]

I'm not sure how you removed the stuck skin, but if it was dry when you tried to remove it there's a chance it stuck to the new skin and caused some irritation when you removed it.

Since it was right near his nose you really can't do a bath/pour-over to loosen it, but a warm moist Q-tip rub might be a bit more gentile assuming your leo will let you get away with it

 

[Ross85]

Ya, at first I was just rubbing it with my finger. Then I got a damp paper towel and just rubbed it until it started to peel. When I could get it with my fingers I pulled it off. He is usually pretty good about me trying to get the skin off even on his face. It is like he knows what I'm doing. haha

 

[nats]

I have never had a problem with any of my leos shedding (knocking on wood!!).
As a matter of fact, I have only rarely seen them shedding.
I do find pieces of skin laying around, I found a piece today in Indies tank.
I just always make sure their humid hide is damp.
You also need to put the humid hide in the "warm half" since the whole idea
is to create a mini tropical invironment.
The reason I mention this is, someone started a poll not long ago about which end you put your humid hide, cool or warm. I saw alot of folks put it in the cool end.
If you see the condensation on the lid, you know it's working :main_thumbsup:

BTW, has anyone tried that spray stuff (dont remember the name) thats supposed to help shedding?

 

[earls413]

My Leonard has shed twice since I've had him the first time went ok, he had a few pieces stuck to his toes which came off fairly easy. This time however he's having difficulties. I had to get the shed off his toes and forehead, these came off no problem but he has a piece stuck to his mouth that won't budge, when I try to get it off he squirms and flips his tail, I get scared and stop, I'm afraid he'll drop his beautiful tail if I keep on. The stuck sheds been their for 3 days and I'm getting worried he's acting normal though.

 

[GeckoGathering]

Needs Off

My Leonard has shed twice since I've had him the first time went ok, he had a few pieces stuck to his toes which came off fairly easy. This time however he's having difficulties. I had to get the shed off his toes and forehead, these came off no problem but he has a piece stuck to his mouth that won't budge, when I try to get it off he squirms and flips his tail, I get scared and stop, I'm afraid he'll drop his beautiful tail if I keep on. The stuck sheds been their for 3 days and I'm getting worried he's acting normal though.

Needs off! Handle him more and stay with moisture in the hot side Humid hide and things for him to rub on. (Cut PVC Pipe tunnel is ideal.) They enter and turn round and round rubbing the walls. You need to tuck him to your body and cup your hands slightly around him to let him get to know you better.
Hold him gentle but work with a wet q-tip.....Near a faucet ...keep it wet..
if you don't grab the tail and be patient not to continue as he gets frantic.............if so:
tuck him to your body and wait a bit then try again.
If you don't get it, same thing the next day or night or both.
Make a practice of placing your hands in his tank for him to get used to.
Make a fist, wet a knuckle, slide it slowly till it touches his nose.
He relates your smell to good. (water)
Its part of your responsibilities to him if he doesn't get it off.
You can calm him if you try this.
Make sure all other smells are removed from hands before handling him.
Good luck. Take care. HJ