It looks like fungus to me....you can try clearing that up yourself or visit a vet for proper treatment.

Check out www.austinsturtlepage.com/ to see how to treat fungal infections (under Medication)...or many other illnesses.

The general idea is to maintain absolute pristine clean water, mebbe increase the acidity a bit, and watch out for rocks/sand that might cause turtle abrasions.

I actually have my softshells with no sand, just clean water and rocks. Reasons: 1) sand is a chore to clean 2) My softshells hide under rocks if necessary 3) He doesn't get scared of me anymore and willingly comes out to get food....so that took care of the whole "softshells feel safer buried in sand" thing

Johnny