Shedding of reptile skin is referred to as ecdysis. Under normal circumstances, snakes shed their skin in one complete piece. When shedding does not occur normally, it is referred to as dysecdysis, or difficult shedding.
Ecdysis is a normal biological process in all animals, including humans. Most animals shed tiny amounts of skin continuously without notice. Snakes, however, have developed a unique method of shedding their entire outer layer at one time.
Snakes typically shed 4–12 times per year, depending on their age and how often they eat.
Shedding allows snakes to continue growing. The newly formed skin stretches to accommodate a larger body size than the previous skin. Younger snakes generally shed more frequently because they grow at a faster rate.
Unlike many animals, snakes do not have eyelids. Instead, they rely on a transparent scale covering the eye called the spectacle, or eye cap, to protect and keep the eye moist. During a normal shed, the spectacle is shed along with the rest of the skin.
Signs Your Snake Is Preparing to Shed
As shedding approaches, several noticeable changes occur.
The snake’s skin becomes dull, and the eye caps turn a cloudy blue color. This stage is commonly referred to as becoming “opaque.”
During this 4–7 day period, snakes often:
- Become irritable
- Refuse food
- Strike more readily
- Prefer not to be handled
The skin is extremely delicate during this stage because the new layer has not fully formed.
Handling your snake during this period is not recommended, even if it appears calm. Premature tearing of the old skin may lead to difficult shedding (dysecdysis).
After several days, the eyes become clear again for approximately four days before the actual shedding begins.
To begin shedding, snakes rub their nose and face against rough surfaces inside the enclosure.
The snake then works its way completely out of the old skin, turning it inside out much like removing a sock.
Difficult Shedding (Dysecdysis)
When a snake fails to shed its skin in one complete piece, the condition is called dysecdysis.
Most cases are caused by environmental conditions within captivity.
Low Humidity
One of the most common causes of difficult shedding is low humidity.
If the enclosure is too dry, particularly during winter months or in naturally arid climates, the old skin may not separate properly from the new skin.
Humidity may be increased by moving the water bowl closer to the enclosure’s heat source, allowing more moisture to evaporate into the air.
Lack of Abrasive Surfaces
Snakes rely on rough surfaces to begin removing their old skin.
Helpful enclosure items include:
- Rocks
- Bricks
- Branches
These materials allow the snake to rub its face and begin the shedding process more effectively.
Snake Mites
Snake mite infestations can also interfere with proper shedding.
Inflammation around the eyes often causes retained eye caps, or spectacles.
Successful treatment requires eliminating the mites. Your veterinarian can assist with diagnosing and treating mite infestations.
Assisting a Snake with Difficult Shedding
Once the underlying cause of dysecdysis has been corrected, additional assistance may be needed.
One recommended method is to place the snake inside a damp pillowcase within a sweater box or similar container for approximately two hours.
This moist environment softens the retained skin, making manual removal easier.
Retained eye caps require additional care.
Gently massaging the eye using a moistened cotton swab may help loosen the retained spectacle.
If necessary, gentle traction using small tweezers or forceps may remove the retained eye cap.
Excessive force should never be used, as damage to the eye may occur.
Consult your reptile veterinarian if retained spectacles cannot be safely removed.
Why Difficult Shedding Is Serious
Although retained skin may initially appear to be only a cosmetic issue, dysecdysis can lead to significant health problems.
Retained skin around the tail may act like a tight band, reducing blood circulation and potentially resulting in loss of the tail.
Retained eye caps reduce vision, making it difficult for snakes to locate prey.
Snakes may also retain skin beneath the chin.
Although they may successfully capture prey, the retained skin can prevent the jaw from fully opening, making swallowing difficult.
Other Causes of Dysecdysis
Less common causes of difficult shedding include:
- Skin trauma
- Thyroid gland abnormalities
If your snake experiences repeated shedding difficulties or abnormal sheds, consult a qualified reptile veterinarian for evaluation.
