Dry scales on head/neck

[DVirginiana]

It's been a long time since I actually posted on here. Mostly I just lurk. But I've noticed recently that the scales on my EBT's head/neck seem to be really dry. I don't think the reason should be humidity; she has areas to go that are both low and high humidity. Is there anything dietary that might help? Is there anything safe I can rub onto the skin to make it a bit less dry?

This isn't at the point that it's a medical problem or anything, but it doesn't look comfortable, so if there's something I could do to make it better I'd like to.

 

[Eric Phillips]

Happen to have any pictures you can post?

 

[Angel Carrion]

This may sound like a strange question, but how much do you soak her, and for how long each time? Sometimes flaking skin can be caused by excessive soaking. If she soaks herself constantly, it may be a good idea to remove her soaking dish and replace it with something she can easily drink out of but cannot climb into and soak. Just a thought.
You could get extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil and use a little of that on the parts that are dry. Don't use it more often than once a week, though I suggest no more than once every week and a half to two weeks. It can also be used on the shell at the same frequency of application. I'm currently using it on my one rescue box turtle that has cracks in his shell from an old injury that healed but left him with battle scars. It's helping to smooth out the cracks so they stop catching on things and splitting. It helps hydrate and retain moisture and so far my guy looks awesome. Even after the first use his shell looked fantastic for the entire two weeks before the next application. I've only used it the two times so far, but his shell is looking so much better and fully hydrated when before it looked really dry no matter how much he soaked and the skin on my hands would catch on the edges of the cracks in his shell. Now both are no more.

 

[Angel Carrion]

Also, what is the range of humidity she is living in? I know you said she has areas of low and high humidity she can go to when she wants, but what are the humidity levels in those spots.

 

[domalle]

It's been a long time since I actually posted on here. Mostly I just lurk. But I've noticed recently that the scales on my EBT's head/neck seem to be really dry. I don't think the reason should be humidity; she has areas to go that are both low and high humidity. Is there anything dietary that might help? Is there anything safe I can rub onto the skin to make it a bit less dry?

This isn't at the point that it's a medical problem or anything, but it doesn't look comfortable, so if there's something I could do to make it better I'd like to.

 

[domalle]

Dry, flaking skin in turtles and tortoises in captivity is a common and frequent problem. If the deficiency in skin lubrication has progressed to the point of ulceration and splitting, topical application of moisturizers and antibiotic ointment may be necessary to prevent secondary infection. But your intuition is correct that the best treatment is prevention through dietary intervention and adequate hydration. Whole fresh dead fish are beneficial for skin hydration from the inside and can be offered as a periodic food item for box turtles.

 

[DVirginiana]

Thanks for the responses. I have some silversides... It has been awhile since I gave her any of those, so I could add them back in. It hasn't gotten to the point of ulceration or anything really bad, I just wanted to catch it before it gets to that point.

Is it just coconut oil that works? Like, is there anything wrong with using a small amount of olive oil? It's just that that would be a lot easier for me to get my hands on...

I don't happen to have a picture at the moment. The humidity on the dry side is 50-60% and the humidity on the humid side is around 70-80%. She doesn't really soak that often from what I've seen. Only occasionally.

 

[Eric Phillips]

I would probably lean more towards the conditions are too dry rather than it be over soaking from what you are telling us. Diet or lack of Vitamin A can cause skin shedding. Overheating or a basking light too close to the substrate can cause shedding. Overfeeding can cause shedding. Assess your conditions and make the change. Lack of UVB can lead to skin issues especially on top of head(MBD). Domalle suggestion of hydration is correct. Treat your girl to some salmon

 

[Angel Carrion]

I would suggest kicking the humidity up. On your dry side make it 70-80% and on the moist side make it 80-90%. EBTs like humidity to be between 70-90% so you're enclosure is a bit dry.

 

[Angel Carrion]

I don't know if olive oil is okay. If you use any topical ointments though, remember to only apply it once every week and a half -- two weeks. And only let it sit on her for about 15-20 minutes before wiping it off. Don't wanna clog their skin up and make absorption of UV difficult.

 

[Angel Carrion]

Okay I just saw someone quite knowledgeable suggest someone use olive oil for a skin thing, so I'm gonna go ahead and say olive oil should be fine.