Do scratches on snakes dissapear with shedding?

[sp0420]

A little of either "triple antiseptic ointment" (it's not "antibiotic" & that's not the same thing, though a common misnomer) or Neosporin (not pain relief formula)

Same ingredients as neosporin sold as triple antibiotic

[Bogertophis]

Hmm, that's weird. ^ ^ ^ I still think it's a misnomer, but whatever.

To quote a quick search:
"What is the difference between an antibiotic and an antiseptic?



Antibiotics can be given parenterally (intramuscularly, intravenously), orally, or applied topically to the skin in the form of a cream or ointment. Antiseptics on the other hand are substances that are applied to the skin but not absorbed significantly and which are able to reduce the possibility of infection."

[CakeLike]

A little of either "triple antiseptic ointment" (it's not "antibiotic" & that's not the same thing, though a common misnomer) or Neosporin (not pain relief formula) are both safe to use topically on snakes, but just bear in mind that they're petroleum-jelly (aka "Vaseline") based and they WILL mess up your snake's skin & future sheds if more than a tiny amount is used. That's why Vetericyn ointment is better- it's water-based & made FOR use on reptiles

And btw, Betadine is the trade name for povidone-iodine- so using the generic is fine- same thing-it's made for humans but safe also for snakes- just should be diluted. Does not need to be washed off.

What do you mean, will mess up the skin?
What does vaseline do to snake skin?
And do I need to be vary of other substances that cause harm to snake skin?

[Bogertophis]

What do you mean, will mess up the skin?
What does vaseline do to snake skin?
And do I need to be vary of other substances that cause harm to snake skin?

I already explained (re-read my answer above) it can make sheds stick- be "messed up" (come off only in pieces) so the snake may need help with shedding, & possibly with more than just one shed. Vaseline, aka petroleum jelly, ointments that contain it for a base, & other oils: do not belong on snake skin.

Yes, plenty of things can be harmful to snakes- just like us, they can absorb things thru their skin, so be a good "snarent" & protect them from harm.

[CakeLike]

I already explained (re-read my answer above) it can make sheds stick- be "messed up" (come off only in pieces) so the snake may need help with shedding, & possibly with more than just one shed. Vaseline, aka petroleum jelly, ointments that contain it for a base, & other oils: do not belong on snake skin.

Yes, plenty of things can be harmful to snakes- just like us, they can absorb things thru their skin, so be a good "snarent" & protect them from harm.

so any kinds of oil? Even natural oils like cooking ones?
I haven't heard of thid before. I don't expose my snake to this directly.

[Bogertophis]

so any kinds of oil? Even natural oils like cooking ones?
I haven't heard of thid before. I don't expose my snake to this directly.

Yes, cooking oil too. Olive oil, avocado oil, corn oil, ANY oils. I've heard of ppl using them to try to kill mites, for example. (trying to smother them with oil by coating the snake) It doesn't go well for the snake after. It's also not for removing stuck shed- use water.

IF you ever have a snake with mites, you need to soak it in shallow water (totally supervised) with only a drop or 2 of mild dish soap* added (*like Ivory or Dawn)- the soap is only there to break the surface tension of the water, so the mites drown instead of swimming or floating, & getting back on the snake. This method of killing mites is harmless, but usually incomplete- some mites may still hide on the snake's head, & you must not hold them under water- for what I hope is an obvious reason: snakes need to breathe, & they can certainly drown!

Best advice: if snakes don't come across something in nature & didn't evolve with it, avoid using it on them until you ask those of us with lots of experience (KSA's).