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My bearded dragon's scales are black and peeling. Is it an infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Bearded Dragon | Female | unspayed | 6 years and 2 months old

My beardie has some scale issues I am not sure what it is. The black scales weren’t there before and the scale on her chin has a hole I am not sure if it’s bleeding or not the the scale on her head has coming off so I tried to brush it off and when it came off it was reddish brownish did I hurt her? Does she have a skin infection an parasite? Help!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on November 12th, 2017

It could be a minor localized infection, possibly a cricket bite or just dry scale. A physical exam would be needed to definitively diagnose the issue. In the meantime, clean and sanitize the cage and change bedding. Use paper towels as substrate for the time being. Change them daily. Soak Lizzie in a warm diluted betadine solution. Use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub affected areas. A dab of Silvadene cream can be used if needed. See your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet if the spots worsen or spread.

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