crested gecko skin infection

Crested Gecko Skin Infections Symptoms. Causes and Treatments

As a crested gecko owner, you want to make sure your reptilian friend stays happy and healthy. However, skin infections are a common issue that can plague crested geckos. If left untreated, these infections can cause severe illness and even death. Luckily, being aware of the signs, causes, and treatments for crested gecko skin infections can help you catch and resolve them promptly.

What Are the Symptoms of Skin Infections in Crested Geckos?

There are several key symptoms that may indicate your crested gecko has a skin infection:

• Discolored patches on the skin – Look for abnormal reddening, dark spots, swelling, or paleness on the skin

• Blisters, pustules, or sores – These fluid-filled bumps or open lesions often signal infection.

• Abnormal shedding – Long strips of retained shed skin can trap bacteria and lead to infection.

• Increased scratching/rubbing – Your gecko may excessively scratch or rub against objects due to skin irritation.

• Loss of appetite or weight loss – Skin infections can sometimes cause these secondary symptoms.

• Lethargy or hiding behavior – Discomfort from skin issues may make your gecko more reclusive.

• Difficulty moving – Skin infections around the legs/feet might cause limping or trouble climbing.

Always quarantine an infected crested gecko from other reptiles you own to prevent disease spread. Then, seek exotic veterinary care to diagnose the exact cause and initiate treatment.

What Causes Skin Infections in Crested Geckos?

Skin infections in crested geckos often stem from the following causes:

1. Bacterial infections – Bacteria like Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella can infect your gecko’s skin, especially if the skin barrier is already compromised by injury or improper shedding.

2. Fungal infections – Geckos housed in dirty, overly humid enclosures may develop fungal skin diseases from dermatophyte species.

3. Parasitic infections – External parasites like mites can infest the skin and cause severe irritation, wounds, and secondary bacterial infections.

4. Nutritional imbalances – Diets deficient in key vitamins and minerals may impair immune function and skin integrity.

5. Unsuitable environment – Incorrect temperatures, dirty habitats, rough décor, and poor handling can all stress the skin and provoke infections.

With prompt veterinary diagnosis and treatment tailored to the specific cause, most mild-moderate skin infections can be resolved. However, delaying treatment raises complications.

What Treatments Are Used for Crested Gecko Skin Infections?

Your exotic vet will choose a treatment plan based on the diagnosed cause and severity of your crested gecko’s skin infection. Common treatment options include:

• Topical antiseptics – Mild infections may be treated with topical chlorhexidine, iodine, or silver sulfadiazine applied directly to the affected skin.

• Antibiotics – For bacterial infections, antibiotics like enrofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfa are prescribed, either topically or orally.

• Antifungals – Fungal diseases are combatted with topical or oral antifungal drugs such as itraconazole.

• Parasiticides – Mite infestations require specialized topical or oral parasiticides to kill the mites.

• Wound management – Your vet may surgically open, drain, and debride infected blisters or abscesses.

• Fluid therapy – Geckos severely ill from infection may need supportive fluids and nutrition.

• Environment changes – Switching substrates, adjusting temperatures, or improving sanitation helps resolve and prevent recurring infection.

With diligent at-home care of your crested gecko during treatment, skin infections usually resolve within several weeks to months depending on severity. Call your vet if symptoms worsen or persist.

How Can You Prevent Skin Infections in Crested Geckos?

Stop skin infections before they start by optimizing your crested gecko care:

• Use suitable loose substrates like paper towels that are easy to clean and replace. Avoid sand, dirt, bark, and moss.

• Spot clean the habitat daily and disinfect the tank fully each month.

• Maintain proper warm temperatures (70-80°F) and moderate humidity (50-60%).

• Give an appropriately varied and gutloaded insect diet along with crested gecko diet.

• Look for retained shed skin during handling and assist removal using a humid hide or damp q-tip if needed.

• Limit handling to periods when your gecko is awake and calm. Always support the body fully when picking up your gecko.

• Quarantine new crested geckos for at least 30-60 days before introducing them to other reptiles’ enclosures.

• Schedule wellness checks with your exotic vet every 6-12 months to catch any health issues early.

By staying vigilant for signs of skin infections and providing top-notch preventative care, you can help your crested gecko live a long, healthy life free of problematic skin diseases. Act quickly if you do observe any abnormal skin changes and partner with your veterinarian to get your beloved gecko back on the road to recovery.