Is the white fuzzy stuff on my turtle's head and mouth fungus?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male | 1lb
My turtle seems to be growing a white substance on his head and mouth I was just wondering if you could tell me what it was? I was sort of thinking it was a fungus
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on April 29th, 2019
Without an image or physical exam, it is difficult to determine what is growing on Shady's head. A fungal infection typically presents as a gray or white fuzzy patch on the skin or shell. There may be redness, bleeding, swelling or discharge as well. Check water quality, performing a water change and rinsing filter media if necessary. Pristine water quality is the foundation for treatment and recovery. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently cleanse affected areas. Allow for a 1-2 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. If there is no improvement in a few days, have Shady examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 29th, 2019
Shady may be dealing with a fungal, bacterial or viral infection leading to this appearance to his skin. Please have Shady seen by a vet for evaluation and treatment. See the link below for more information: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102919&id=9003821
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 3rd, 2020
It could be minor infection. Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine definitively. As long as Christopher is behaving normally otherwise, you can try managing it at home. Clean the areas daily using a soft bristled toothbrush and a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution. Allow for a 1 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. At his size, water depth should be no deeper than twice his shell length. A balanced diet, vitamin/mineral supplementation and UVB lighting will all help to promote shell health. If he doesn't show signs of improvement in a few days have him seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on July 18th, 2017
If all you see are a few well-defined white spots, you can first try the "drying out" approach. * Keep your turtle out of the water overnight in a warm (85F) box; do this nightly for at least a week. * If this helps, continue until improvement shows. * Then make sure he basks a lot. * Make sure he is exposed to natural sunlight for 1/2 hour a day. * Add 1 teaspoon of salt per gallon of water. Iodine free cooking salt is fine. * In addition, review your husbandry practices, in particular the water quality and the basking spot available to the turtle. If drying out does not help, he needs to be examined by a veterinarian. DO NOT use antibiotic cremes, anti-fungal cremes, washes, etc. without consulting with a veterinarian. Using the wrong medication can make it worse. For a simple fungal skin infection, drying out is all that's necessary. Anything that does not respond to the "warm and dry" approach needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian. If there are many spots, or the whole body is covered, or the eyes are also whitish, your turtle needs to see a veterinarian. If your turtle shows additional symptoms, like sluggishness or lack of appetite, you turtle needs to see a veterinarian. If there are lesions, cracks, or bloody sores and scabs, take your turtle to a veterinarian immediately. There is a good chance the condition will require treatment with medication internally (for example antibiotics) in addition to drying out, cleaning, and prescription creams. As for the worms, they are coming from your turtle's poop. Likely they are nematodes. You should consult with a veterinarian to get a dewormer. I hope this helps. Best wishes.
5Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 13th, 2020
These could be spots of infection or injury. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Also, maintain proper environmental parameters. Replace the UVB bulb if it is older than 6 months. Supplement regularly with multivitamin and calcium powders. This will promote shell health. You can even float a cuttlebone in the tank for her to munch on as needed. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently scrub the affected areas. Allow for a 1 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. If you see know improvement in a week or so then have her physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can review slider care at the links below. (Yes, they say red eared slider, but care is the same for YBS). http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html
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