Scale rot potentially?

Hello everyone I just joined this site after all the helpful forums I’ve read on here. I’m a newer owner of a pier ball python. I’ve had him for 2 weeks and I’ve noticed some concerning blemishes and marks recently and wanted your guys opinion before proceeding to a vet or anything of the sorts. The pink marks I noticed just last night and was concerned because of how fast they appeared. He’s in shed his eyes are milky blue and scales are also turning a dull blue. The small spot that is brown that worries me more for scale rot is a little rough to the touch. That spot has been there since I bought the snake 2 weeks ago and hasn’t changed at all. Just want to see what you guys think and if there is anything to be concerned about. Thanks everyone I appreciate it!

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I can’t seem to add the pictures from my camera roll any idea how to do that? I can’t get a URL for them since they are just on my phone

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Originally Posted by Sean44116

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Every blemish shows up on a white snake. If he was a normal, there's no way you'd notice those. Scale rot wouldn't be my first guess. That usually shows up on the belly first since that's the part of the snake that comes in contact with the wet substrate. The pink spot looks like something poked him. Doesn't look like it broke the skin, though. So, I would keep an eye on it, but I wouldn't take him to the vet unless it gets worse.

I'll "second" what Homebody posted. Not to worry. And :welcome: That's a pretty snek, even in shed. :D

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Originally Posted by Homebody

Every blemish shows up on a white snake. If he was a normal, there's no way you'd notice those. Scale rot wouldn't be my first guess. That usually shows up on the belly first since that's the part of the snake that comes in contact with the wet substrate. The pink spot looks like something poked him. Doesn't look like it broke the skin, though. So, I would keep an eye on it, but I wouldn't take him to the vet unless it gets worse.

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alright I was kinda thinking the same thing about the pink blemishes he sometimes curls up really tight in his cold hide so maybe he just bumped/scraped against the inside causing it. Any idea on the small brown scale closer to his head? It’s a little rough to the touch comparatively but it’s been the exact same since I bought him 2 weeks ago. No change what so ever I have a picture from the day I got him and that spot is there looking the exact same. Could it just be a scale that is pigmented the same as the brown? Or a damaged scale from shed? I’d assume if it was rot after 2 weeks it would have gotten worse? Thanks again for the reply’s I just wanna make sure he’s all good this is my first snake

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Originally Posted by Sean44116

Could it just be a scale that is pigmented the same as the brown? Or a damaged scale from shed?

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In my opinion, it doesn't look like pigment. It looks like he has a damaged scale or two. I don't know what caused it. I doubt it's scale rot for the reasons already mentioned. Keep an eye on it, but don't worry about it. It'll probably disappear with his upcoming shed.

Okay cool I’ll keep a close eye on him and make sure nothing get worse. Hopefully like you said with this upcoming shed he clears up a bit. Thank you guys so much for your inputs I truly appreciate it. The saying on this website is clearly true this is by far the friendliest forums page I’ve ever been to. I’m on quite a bit of forums for multiple things and most people are usually rude and frown upon new comers for not knowing much. So just one more time thanks for alleviating the stress.

I have a very high white pied. All she has is a brown mask on her face. And the number of times I've pulled her out of a hide and seen red and pink the last 2 years @_@;;

Sometimes it's just pressure pinching from the way they coil up so tight in places.
They definitely look worse before a shed. Sometimes you'll even see the pink wash with red freckles on the belly just before a shed. That was one that really had me squinting over every little thing in her cage and schedule. It really did look like septicemia but she was absolutely healthy.

If anything, I would do another once over in the habitat just to make sure there's nothing too rough of pointy. After that, just keep humidity on point until they shed. As long as the habitat is clean and they're acting normal, I agree with just waiting and seeing as was said above.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0104.jpeghttps://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0115.jpegThat’s good to hear and relieving. I’ll just keep the humidity up a bit and wait for him to shed and see where we’re at. I’m sure as you’ve all said with a shed and some time it’ll all clear up. Just wanna make sure my guy is all good he’s my first and I plan on having him for as long as humanly possible. I already love the dude and it’s only been 2 weeks!! (Some good pictures of the guy)

I know its been answered pretty thoroughly but just thought I'd share my insight. Sometimes I've noticed damaged scales that look similar to the one that was kind of brown. The pink marks look to me like it was pressing on something in the enclosure. I see similar marks a lot on the underside of animals from laying on coconut husk. From my experience I've seen scale rot on the belly from a snake that was allowed to maternally incubate a clutch. Scales were brown and discolored and peeling and not just in one area. It takes some pretty nasty conditions for a pretty decent amount of time to cause scale rot. At least in my experience.

@ Sean44116: if ever your snake has a minor wound- especially with a skin break- the best topical meds are either Vetericyn brand ointment or spray "for reptiles" (because it's water-based & won't cause future messed-up sheds like the oil/petroleum-jelly based ointments do) or diluted* Betadine (aka povidone-iodine) that's diluted to look like weak tea & dabbed on the wound.

Right now, I'd just watch that little brown spot, but it's likely just one or a couple roughed up scales- a snake-version of a scab that will slough off in coming sheds. If you're inclined to dab the aforementioned medications on it, that won't hurt anything & might help.

As already mentioned, snakes get minor dings all the time- the 'curse' of a white snake is that every little thing shows up- :)

I agree w/ above post- pink areas are often places where the snake pressed on something- and when they curl up tightly, you'll also often see a lot of bent scales where they got folded (it compares to the inside of our elbow- if we had scales, they'd be folded & creased also). But you're doing the right thing to ask- none of us knew everything to start- not even close.

Spot on advice. Also thanks for the typo edit (embarrassing lol).

She wasn't mine at the time but was given to me after eggs didnt go full term. That's pretty much exactly how I treated it. Paper towel betadine soaks and non pain killer generic neosporin on the belly. She healed up nice after a few sheds and I still have her. Great snake nice clutches and pounds rats.

Im pretty sure I learned about those methods from reading posts here and it worked out great for me. This forum has definitely been a valuable resource for me. Especially when I first got into the hobby. There's just so many questions no matter how much research you do beforehand.

https://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0223.jpeghttps://ball-pythons.net/gallery/fil.../img_0224.jpegHello guys so I did a check today the pink spots are all pretty much gone but I found something I don’t like. Some brown on his belly. I don’t think it’s substrate in his scales but what do you guys think?

I'd wait for the shed- not all scale-grime comes off easily. (Did you actually try to rub- wash it off?)

I tried a little bit with a wash cloth and rubbed and didn’t have much luck but I also was trying to be fast cause the blueness is gone which I’m thinking for what I’ve read that he is very very close to shedding and I didn’t want to disturb him. I swear that wasn’t there a day or 2 ago but I’m not entirely sure to be honest. I was so focused on the pink blemishes and the one brown spot that I didn’t pay much attention to his stomach in all honesty

If he's that close to shedding (as we say, "gone back to clear") I'd just wait. We've had others thinking the same thing & off it all came with the shed. ;) The main thing is to boost his humidity a little now until he sheds- you want 65-75% humidity, & a humid hide is always welcome too.

Alright I’ll wait till he sheds and see what he looks like and get back to your guys. I’ve been keeping the humidity around 65-70% for the past couple days for his shedding I’ll continue to do the same and see what happens. I mistakenly made the humidity 80-85% a couple days ago thinking that was the correct amount from a couple friends who have ball pythons. I hope this didn’t cause the soil to be too moist therefore causing rot from the humidity. We shall see tho I’m hoping he sheds tonight fingers crossed. Thanks again for your fast replies I really appreciate it. I’m getting to stressed over this little guy I just care for him to much!

A few days at 80-85% is very unlikely to cause a problem- assuming his home is kept clean. Many bacteria love warmth + moisture, & don't forget, these are wild creatures that get rained on in the wild. But we all understand (& thank you) for wanting to take the very best care of your snake. And never forget: snakes are FAR more easy to keep healthy than to get them well again once they get sick. So we're all about "prevention" here. You fit right in. ;)

Okay that’s good to hear I’ll wait for him to shed and see where we’re at. I’ll keep you guys updated. Thanks again I can’t say it enough!

Well good news all around. All marks and blemishes are gone!! He ended up shedded last night which was a good shed it seems it was all one piece with one small piece right next to it. He looks beautiful with the shiny scales and deepened colors. Supper supper stoked everything is fine. I still think I’m going to clean his enclosure and put new substrate down cause I have a ton left over just for good measure. Thanks again for all your guys advice and wisdom I seem to be learning new stuff everyday!! If anything arises I’ll definitely come and let you guys know if you don’t mind. Thanks again everyone!!

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Originally Posted by Sean44116

If anything arises I’ll definitely come and let you guys know if you don’t mind.

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Please do. We're happy to help.

:gj: Great news!