Dysecdysis (Shedding Problems)
What is it?
Healthy snakes shed their skin in one piece. Dysecdysis means a stuck, incomplete, or patchy shed. It is usually a sign of an underlying problem, most commonly low humidity, incorrect temperature, poor nutrition, mites, or illness.
What signs should I watch for?
Signs to watch for include patches of old skin that stay on, retained eye caps (spectacles), shed coming off in small pieces, and constricted bands of skin on the tail.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Your veterinarian checks for retained eye caps and underlying illness. Treatment often includes warm soaks or humid hides, gentle removal of retained skin, and husbandry corrections. Never pull eye caps off yourself.
Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?
Correct humidity, a moist hide, a rough surface for rubbing, and good nutrition help snakes shed normally.
Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026.
Snakes kept with low humidity or wrong temperature
Who's at risk:
Stuck skin patches, retained eye caps, tight tail bands
Main signs:
Schedule a visit soon
Urgency:
When to call a vet right away
- Eye caps (spectacles) that did not come off with the shed
- Tight bands of stuck skin on the tail
- Shed coming off in small pieces again and again
Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide.
Source:
Related conditions
Snake Fungal Disease
Snake Mites
Thermal Burns