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My Veiled chameleon has not shed for awhile, but on his tail from the tip to where it joins the body there is a layer of skin that is not coming off. It has been there for about a week and a half. I have been spraying him and giving him water but it has only flaked a little bit at the thick end.I just picked up some Jojoba oil but am unsure how to apply it. I was curious how many times I should apply it to the problem area? And is there anything else I can do to help. So far his tail is fine I think, he still grips with it but I think it might be bothering him. Would a shower treatment help? Any advice is most appreciated! Thanks!

I posted about this a week or so ago but no one besides lele (Thanks Lele!!)answered, just hoping to get a little more advice! =)

as for applying it I used a q-tip (my cham was just over an inch long) so you could try a clean artist's brush or your finger if he'll let you. Can you post a pic so we have some idea of what this looks like then maybe can help determine severity.

I'll stop posting so others can answer

lele

we>>My Veiled chameleon has not shed for awhile, but on his tail from the tip to where it joins the body there is a layer of skin that is not coming off. It has been there for about a week and a half. I have been spraying him and giving him water but it has only flaked a little bit at the thick end.I just picked up some Jojoba oil but am unsure how to apply it. I was curious how many times I should apply it to the problem area? And is there anything else I can do to help. So far his tail is fine I think, he still grips with it but I think it might be bothering him. Would a shower treatment help? Any advice is most appreciated! Thanks!
>>
>>I posted about this a week or so ago but no one besides lele (Thanks Lele!!)answered, just hoping to get a little more advice! =)

Lele's great
I had this problem with my panther. Fist, congrats on noticing it. It can lead to problems, and it's good to see you are looking after it instead of just waiting for it to go away! Hurrah for you!
Second, here's my advice:
1) rinse tail of debri. To do this just run it under tap water, warm but not hot. You may also need to wash with handsoap (just a bit). some oils leave buildup after repeated use, and this may be a problem.
2) rub a few drops between your fingers and massage cham's tail, using downward strokes. He/she will probably try and pull the tip away quickly. Hold on with enough force to rub a little, but not hard enough to hurt (a gently "tug" i guess)
3)Feed him/her a treat, and put back in cage.
I would try to do this after mealtimes, just because some chams won't eat after small stresses like that. If this isn't a prob then don't worry about it.
4)repeat morning and night, until skin looks all better

If this seems a little too "personal" (for lack of a better word) for your cham, use a q-tip and massage with gentle downward motions while holding the tail in your hand. You don't have to rinse every time, but every few days will help remove old oil and skin.

If things don't seem to clear up, or if they get worse, you may want to see a vet. They can give you a water based gel to use (that's what I used with Orion) that is to help guard off infection. There is lots in a tube, and may be useful later on. I find Orion's tail has problems every few sheds, regardless of misting, etc.

Hope that helps!
~Lindsay

I Just wanted to say thanks for the advice I really appreciate it.

Also, After putting the oil on once, ( he's pretty laid back and let me rub it on by hand) I could not notice at all the difference in color/ where the problem began, so hopefully its not as bad as I was thinking.

As to the vet help, unfortunately I live in a very small town in Ohio and the Vets here probably have never seen a chameleon before. I called the one about this problem and he told me to put some vasoline on the "iguana" and that should help *erp* So hopefully this will work out and save me a trip (and $$)to said scary vets.
Anyway thanks again and hopefully I will post a pic tomorrow if I can figure it out =)

I'm glad it's working!
Usually you won't need meds or anytyhing, unless it becomes severe and infected. Sorry to hear about your vet! Makes you wonder what school they graduated from....