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Hi,

I have a young Asian Trinket ratsnake who, during her last shed, had a problem where the scale on the top of her head was somewhat removed along with the shed skin. This left the area raw, though not bleeding. Now she is in shed again and the area looks, well, rough.

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to help soften that spot for her next shed by dabbing a bit of mineral oil on it. I just don't want for her to have a bad shed, or to make the damaged area worse.

What do you think? Does this sound good/bad? Any other ideas?

Thanks,
- Mark
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Don't put anything on that area unless the "raw" area heals. That could just cause infection. A dab of Neosporin works wonders on those type of injuries. Personally, I wouldn't go with the mineral oil. There are probably better options. When its next shed cycle comes around, you can do one or two things. Mist the cage daily throughout the shed cycle and/or provide a moist hide spot. I like lining a hide spot with damp "recycled-paper-style" bedding. Increasing the natural moisture in the cage should be good enough to give you a good shed. Im live in Tucson and get good sheds from my Boas and pair of Asian Rat Snakes.

Thanks Mark,

I think I might try both (Neosporin (just a tiny, tiny bit), and a moist hide spot.

I'll probably start that tonight, since she is already starting to shed again (eyes are just starting to cloud up).

I've heard (I don't remember where) that snakes will sometimes shed more often than normal if they have suffered some sort of trauma which results in an abrasion. This is probably why my Trinket is shedding again so soon (she just shed about two weeks ago...).

Again, thanks for the advice,
- Mark

>>Don't put anything on that area unless the "raw" area heals. That could just cause infection. A dab of Neosporin works wonders on those type of injuries. Personally, I wouldn't go with the mineral oil. There are probably better options. When its next shed cycle comes around, you can do one or two things. Mist the cage daily throughout the shed cycle and/or provide a moist hide spot. I like lining a hide spot with damp "recycled-paper-style" bedding. Increasing the natural moisture in the cage should be good enough to give you a good shed. Im live in Tucson and get good sheds from my Boas and pair of Asian Rat Snakes.