Concerned

Hello All,

I am new to being a ball python owner...I got my snake about 3 months ago, and since then it has shed twice. It just got done shedding about 2 weeks ago and now it's belly looks pinkish again and one of its belly scales looks inflamed. The only thing I can think of that I have changed is its bedding from aspen to cypress. I live in a pretty arid region so I thought cypress might help regulate humidity better then the aspen. The hygrometer I have came with the snake and could possibly use an update? (it is looking kinda old). So my question is, is there any sign this could be scale rot? I just noticed this issue tonight so I am going to go get a new hygrometer tomorrow, but am concerned for my snake.

Thanks

What type of heat source are you using??? If under the tank heater is it on a thermostat ?
Also for hygrometer I use a indoor/outdoor thermometer with hygrometer it's about $13 at Walmart brand accurite it measure temp on both sides as well as humidity

I have a stick on heat pad for the bottom and a thermoregulated heat soruce for top (was recommended by the local herp store) for the warm hide, my snake tends to move pretty frequently between the 2 hides, but last couple of days it has been hanging out on cool side alot.

Is the heat pad regulated as well?

Do you have a clear picture of the belly scales in question?

You know, I think I was just totally freaking out. I just picked her up to get a picture and her belly looks completely normal, the inflamed belly scale looks good too. It was late at night and I now realize I didn't have the best light on...it always makes things look reddish. (feel kinda stupid now) I still don't know why that scale looked inflamed but it is gone now.