Skin Necrosis

Improper shedding is the leading cause of skin necrosis, which happens when healthy skin on a lizard dies. When a lizard is unable to shed its outer layer of dead skin the skin underneath is unable to live as it is being smothered.

Removing skin that the lizard should have shed is a fairly common practice and includes soaking the lizard in warm water. The key to avoiding skin necrosis is not allowing it to persist for a long period of time as it can have lasting effects. If you have any trouble removing the dead skin from the lizard it should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.