My leopard gecko's toes are red and swollen from stuck shed. Help!
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My leopard gecko cannot shed his skin on his toes. I am spraying his tank with water to keep it moist and I have made a "shed box" with wet moss but he still cannot shed. He has lost his tail before because the dry skin cut off circulation on it, and now I'm afraid he is going to lose his toe because it is swelling and turning a reddish purple color. Help!
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on January 8th, 2017
Try the following: Give your leopard gecko a bath. Make sure the water is lukewarm and not too deep. Geckos can swim, however you need to be present so he does not drown. or make a moisture chamber: use a tupperware, spray bottle, and a paper towel. Spray or wet the paper towel. Put the paper towel inside the tupperware. Put your leopard gecko inside the tupperware for 30 minutes. You can repeat this as often as you need. Take a wet q-tip and gently rub the skin off after moisturizing. you may also need to use tweezers to gently pick off the shed. Your gecko may not like it, and may get stressed, but this is not as bad as losing toes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 21st, 2018
It would appear that some shed skin was stuck around the toe which compromised blood flow, effectively "strangling" the toe. It could also be due to trauma, she may have caught it r pinched it somewhere in her enclosure. have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. the remnant may need to be removed to prevent infection. She may also need antibiotics and/or pain medication. In the future, when she is in shed, provide a moist hide at each end of the enclosure. Increase humidity temporarily and soak her daily to aid in shedding. Check her feet and toes for any stuck shed to prevent additional loss. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence if humidity levels are too low during a shed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 15th, 2018
You may need to have April examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If the blood supply has been compromised by stuck shed, the toes will indeed die. This could be painful and may lead to infection. Soak her in warm water for 15-20 minutes daily to help with any shedding. She may need minor surgery to remove dead or dying tissue.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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