How to Avoid Shedding Problems With Your Iguana

     Iguanas need to shed their skin regularly, especially when growing. Sometimes, old layers of skin aren't shed properly. These old layers of skin can eventually cut off circulation in the area and cause tissue death. The areas most commonly affected by shedding problems are the toes, feet, tail, and dorsal spikes.

One of the most common reasons that skin is retained is because you don't provide enough humidity in your lizard's enclosure. Another common cause is an infestation of mites. Your iguana may have trouble shedding skin if he has a twisted spine or broken toes. Areas that have scars may also cause problems.

If your iguana has trouble shedding his skin properly, it's important that you don't try to pull it off with too much force. You can injure the new skin beneath it and cause a lot of pain to your iggie. If the skin doesn't come off pulling gently, then you should just leave it alone.

However, there are things you can do to help your iguana get rid of his old skin. You can start giving him baths and misting him more frequently. As you learned earlier, inadequate humidity can lead to shedding problems. So, you can also try increasing the humidity in your iguana's enclosure.

You can also try lubricants to help remove old skin. Lubricants like non-spermicidal KY jelly and mineral oil will help loosen up the skin so that you can pull it off. Just remember to be gentle!

You should periodically check your iguana for problematic skin areas. This is particularly important just after he sheds. Retained skin can lead to major problems. So, make sure you take care of it before it has a chance to do so.