Sick iguana

Question
Our male iguana is about 1 1/2yr old.  He has two health issues, one is an area of unshed skin on his right ear, it has been there for a few months and it is hard to the touch.  I do not believe it is cauliflower ear from other research I have done.  I have swabbed triple antibiotic ointment on it to moisten it up to see if it will come off and it hasn't. I see where I would be able to peel it back but I have read that I should not remove this on my own...is this true?  Any suggestions?

The other thing that has started is his right eye is now a little swollen, we were gone for a few days and I am afraid he got dirty water in his eye.  I have swabbed this with clean water on a q-tip, but it appears to be worse.  

If he needs to see a vet, do I need to find a reptile vet in the phone book?

Thank you for your help!


Answer
Hello Carrie,

It is usually not a good idea to peel skin off during a shed, unless it is already loose & falling off for the most part.  The ears are a very delicate area which could be easily injured because of the tympanic membrane covering the ear.
I would continue trying to keep it moist.  You could try some aloe vera gel which is pretty helpful with retaining moisture.  
The eye is probably infected.  You can get some antibiotic eye ointment to try.  Here is a link for you to get it, & it is called Terramycin:
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=3348736.25224&product=Health_Car...

Also, use some sterile saline solution daily, to help wash it out.  This should help greatly.  If the eye condition persists, we can try the gentamicin eye drops which the vets usually prescribe.  You can get that without a prescription.  If you would rather try that one, let me know.  

It is always a good idea to have a reptile vet in mind, just in case.  Hopefully, this is minor & we can get it cleared up pretty quickly.

What is the humidity in your tank?

Tracie