Python scale issue

[Brussel]

Hi Team,

I have a carpet python about 90cm long and 6 months old. It has this dry patch of scales look on it's head. I thought it would go with the last shed, but is still there, albeit a little better. Is this something I need to be cautious about or will it simply go away?

any help would be appreciated as I don't want any scarring to be permanent.

IMG_20140128_170008.jpg

[iiviii]

I can't see the marks to well, but is that not by any chance a small injury or are the scales still there?

[Serpent]

That's usually caused by a previous injury or damaged scale and is a form of scarring.
It may disappear after a few sheds or may remain there for ever.
Obviously if it starts getting worse or spreading you will need to take it to a vet.
You can try soaking it in warm water, those bits might come off but it looks quite scarred to me.

[iiviii]

That's what I was thinking, also maybe have a look at your enclosure and see where it could have hurt itself. Maybe a sharp edge on a hide where it couldve tried pulling back when it got a fright etc. As serpent said, I wouldn't worry about it unless it starts spreading.

Does your snake seem any different since you've noticed this mark?

[RJG]

Looks like a burn. Do you have an exposed light bulb in its vivarium?

[Brussel]

Hi all,

I have a ceramic heater that is well protected and I don't think there is anything else in the viv that could be a problem. The scales still seem to be there, but look dry/distorted. perhaps I should try the warm water approach.
will keep an eye on it to ensure that it does not spread.

[Westley Price]

Looks like it is a mechanical injury, like rubbing or scraping. Is he perhaps a male with a female close by?

I doubt it is anything serious though. Just give it a few sheds and it will go away, as long as the source of the injury is also removed.