Brown Anole or Bahama Anole

Question
My son bought a Bahama Anole and after the first shed we noticed a black spot above it's right front leg.  With each shed and with time that spot has grown, not just in diameter but also in height, like the skin never comes off but just stays attached.  This morning, the lizard started bleeding from the bottom of the spot right behind the front right leg.  The lizard was only $8 (us) so we really don't want to go to the vet, do you have any suggestions?  We have had the  lizard since Oct/Nov.

Answer
Hi Carol, Black skin spots on reptiles can be fungal, bacterial or viral in origin. You might try a topical treatment like Betadine ointment which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Brown anoles are flighty and usually do not tolerate being handled very well or at all. You may need to weigh the potential benefit of any treatment attempt against the immense stress of being caught and handled in order to administer it.