Common Reptile Shedding Problems and How to Prevent Them

Shedding (also called ecdysis) is a normal and healthy process for reptiles as they grow and renew their skin. In the wild, environmental conditions naturally support proper shedding—but in captivity, even small husbandry issues can lead to incomplete or problematic sheds.

Understanding common shedding problems, their causes, and how to prevent them can help keep your reptile comfortable and healthy.

What Is Normal Shedding?

A healthy shed typically occurs in one complete piece (especially in snakes) or in large sections for lizards and other reptiles. Before shedding, you may notice:

• Dull or cloudy skin

• Decreased appetite

• Increased hiding behavior

• Cloudy or blue eyes in snakes

Once shedding begins, the old skin should come off fully within a short period of time.

Common Reptile Shedding Problems

1. Retained Shed (Dysecdysis)

What it looks like:

• Pieces of old skin stuck to the body

• Retained eye caps in snakes

• Tight bands of skin around toes, tail tips, or limbs

Why it’s a problem: Retained shed can restrict blood flow, leading to tissue damage, infection, or even loss of toes or tail tips if left untreated.

Common causes:

• Low humidity

• Dehydration

• Poor nutrition

• Inadequate enclosure setup

2. Retained Eye Caps (Snakes)

Signs:

• Dull, wrinkled eye surface

• One or both eyes remain cloudy after shedding

Why it matters: Retained eye caps can impair vision and increase the risk of eye infections.

Prevention:

• Maintain appropriate humidity

• Provide a humidity box

• Ensure access to clean water

3. Patchy or Incomplete Shedding

What it looks like:

• Shed comes off in pieces rather than one full layer

• Skin clings to the body in random areas

Common causes:

• Improper humidity levels

• Lack of rough surfaces for rubbing

• Stress or illness

4. Tight Shed Around Toes and Tail Tips

Why it’s dangerous: Retained skin in these areas can act like a tourniquet, cutting off circulation.

Signs to watch for:

• Swollen toes or tail tips

• Dark discoloration

• Reduced movement or sensitivity

This issue is especially common in geckos and small lizards.

5. Shedding Problems Due to Underlying Illness

Sometimes shedding issues are a symptom of a larger problem, such as:

• Dehydration

• Parasites

• Metabolic bone disease

• Poor diet or vitamin deficiencies

If shedding problems persist despite proper husbandry, veterinary evaluation is recommended.

How to Prevent Shedding Problems

Maintain Proper Humidity

Each reptile species has specific humidity requirements.

• Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels

• Adjust misting, substrate, or enclosure ventilation as needed

• Provide a humidity box for species that benefit from localized moisture

Ensure Adequate Hydration

• Provide fresh water at all times

• Encourage drinking and soaking when appropriate

• Monitor for signs of dehydration, such as wrinkled skin or sunken eyes

Provide Appropriate Enclosure Setup

• Include rough surfaces (rocks, branches, cork bark) for rubbing

• Ensure proper temperature gradients to support metabolism and shedding

• Avoid overcrowding and minimize stress

Support Proper Nutrition

• Feed a balanced, species-appropriate diet

• Use proper vitamin and mineral supplementation as recommended

• Avoid over or under supplementation

What NOT to Do During a Bad Shed

• Do not pull or peel stuck shed—this can cause injury

• Avoid excessive soaking unless directed by a veterinarian

• Do not ignore recurring shedding problems

When to See a Veterinarian

Contact your veterinarian if you notice:

• Multiple incomplete sheds in a row

• Retained eye caps that do not resolve

• Swelling, discoloration, or sores under retained skin

• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or signs of pain

Early intervention can prevent serious complications.

Our Recommendation

Healthy shedding is a sign of proper reptile care. Most shedding problems can be prevented with correct humidity, hydration, nutrition, and enclosure setup. If your reptile is experiencing repeated or severe shedding issues, our veterinary team can help identify the cause and create a personalized care plan.

Proper husbandry today helps prevent health problems tomorrow.