UVB compact bulbs/ sore on green anole

Question
I have two questions.

I want to know what the real danger compact uvb bulbs are. From what I have read, the blindness that has been occurring in reptile is from the bulbs being too close to the reptiles. If so, I can still use compacts as long as they are at a safe distance. Is this right?


I noticed yesterday that my green anole has what looks to be a sore where his right front leg connects to his body. Do you know what it could be? I have another green anole with him and I want to make sure it isn't contagious. For right now I have been putting neosporin on the area.

Answer
 If a UVB source is too far away, it will not benefit the reptile, and compacts are dangerous.  I would take it back for a refund or switch to a fluorescent tube.  Personally, I am a fan of the Mega-ray mercury vapor bulb.  You can get the full report on the danger of compacts by going to ReptileUV.com.  They have a link to the actual study and you can see whay you shouldn't want the thing in your house.

  Without seeing the sore I would only be guessing, it could be anything, an inflamed femoral pore, an infection, or a lesion.  I would take the anole to a good reptile vet for a definitive diagnosis and proper treatment.