Skin problem on baby ball python?

[NickT]

Hello- This is our new BP, Freud, our first. After bringing him home 4 days ago, I noticed this on his skin this morning. Is this some sort of skin problem or am I being paranoid? Sorry it's not a better picture. We've been very patiently controlling our urge to handle him until he gets comfortable and (hopefully) eats this weekend. I should have more pics soon. Very excited about raising this guy! Thanks

[MrLang]

I am looking at the picture on my cell phone, but I can say with almost full certainty that that's a problem. It looks kind of like an old problem though? Someone better will chime in but your first step is probably to switch the substrate to paper towels if it isn't already and make a vet appointment.

Do you have a thermostat on the heat pad for him? What is the substrate you use and how do you offer / measure humidity? How do you measure temps?

I think someone is going to say that's either a burn or scale rot. Good luck..

[kitedemon]

Can you get a few more pictures? maybe get a second pair of hand to help hold him.

[RetiredJedi]

It even looks like some sort of tape residue on him. Do you have any type of tape inside his enclosure?

[MrLang]

It looks like skin flaking off a blackened zone - burned or rotten is really the question here and better pics will definitely help.

[NickT]

Thanks for the quick feedback. Once my gf gets back from work with her camera, I'll try to take some more pics.

I think whoever said tape might be right... The first day I set up the tank I used black electrical tape to hold down the thermometer wire. I noticed he was getting curious about it and a piece had fallen, so I removed it altogether. Won't happen again.

If it is tape residue, how serious is it? Should I remove him ASAP and start getting it off (veggie oil?), or hold out a few more days until he gets more comfortable?

Thanks again

BTW- It's 86 deg over the heat pad, 76 on the other side of the tank, the humidity is 61, and he's on Aspen.

[Capray]

TEMPS: 80-84 F w/ basking 88-94 F <---basking means the part over the heat pad
HUMIDITY: 50%-60%
So you might want to get a little more ambmient heat.

If it is just tape residue and you use oil, you may wan to do it with someone cause he could get slippery! I'm thinking oil on him, and using a warm washcloth try to gently rub it off him, going only in the direction of the scales.

For now, carefully take him out and see what it is. If it's something else including missing scales etc, you should call a reptile vet, and get advice.
I don't know about the poor little guy's stress tolerance, because he hasn't even been in his new home for over 4 days.. I know it wouldn't be very good for him to take him for a vet visit before he has even eaten in your care.

Let's see other's input

[Anatopism]

See what it feels like. I'm thinking burn. Electrical tape is not terribly sticky, and in no way should have stuck that much to him. It looks like a nasty burn. Is it hard to the touch, almost scabby? did this mark show up ater you got him? If you don't have a thermostat or at the very least, a dimmer, on your heat source, do so asap, and check the temperature where the heat is at.

[reptileexperts]

I am definitely seeing this as nasty / older burn from a heat rock perhaps (formation is consistent with shape of the rock and how they would use it). I think the skin burn attracted substrate which is making people assume tape residue, but I'm not seeing that exactly . . . better pictures will help as others have put though.

[NickT]

Thanks again. Ok, it was definitely tape. We're idiots putting tape in there. Here's a pic before:




I was able to get most of it off with olive oil and water. Cleaned him after with water and light soap.




Here's just a pic of his tank. I know I need another hide in the cool area. Will pick that up soon.