i did NOT apply the cream until after the flaking. (if there was nothing wrong why apply the cream?)
by "soaking normally" that means soaking a few days before the skin comes off to give them a little extra help, and also to get the poo off since gizmo loves to spread it everywhere.
the temps are; cool 80-82, warm 90-92, ambient 82-92 from both diff sides.
i meant routine as in keeping the room they are in at a steady 80 degress, spraying the tank (if needed) when the humidity gets too low in the winters, and morning/night cycles.
p.s. (i have not sprayed their tanks in ages!! since way before all this nonsense started happening)