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My leopard gecko has dead skin over its eye. How do I remove it?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My leopard gecko has dead skin over one eye

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 29th, 2016

Leopard geckos don't shed their eyes like snakes, so it won't be a retained shed (eye cap). They do shed their eyelids and this skin can sometimes get stuck and cause irritation. Place him in a humid hide (make sure he can breath) for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, use a moistened cotton swab to GENTLY remove the skin. If it doesn't come, don't force it. Schedule an exam with a herp vet to remove it and to rule out infection or trauma.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on January 1st, 2017

    You can place her in a small plastic container with moist, warm paper towels for 30 minutes. Make sure there is adequate ventilation and make sure Pebbles does not get chilled. Afterwards, you can use a Q-tip moistened with sterile saline to gently wipe away the retained eye cap. Do not force it. If it doesn't come off, see an experienced herp veterinarian. Always provide a moist hide for her in her enclosure when she is in shed to prevent retained sheds.

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