My bearded dragon has a dark spot on its head. Should I worry?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on February 18th, 2018

  It could be a fungal or a bacterial infection. Ideally, Alex should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If it is fungal, it may need aggressive treatment. Fungi can cause "Yellow Skin" disease which can kill if left untreated. An oral antifungal, topical treatment and sometimes surgical debridement is necessary.
  A bacterial infection may be treated topically or with systemic antibiotics. Your vet may determine which is better after a physical examine.
  In the meantime, confirm proper humidity levels. Too much can promote bacterial or fungal growth. Always wash your hands before and after handling Alex. Use a dilute chlorhexidine solution to clean the affected area. Clean and sanitize the enclosure as well as any tank furniture. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized.

  

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• Answered By Todd Cecil

  Veterinarian

  Published on November 12th, 2018

  Thanks for reaching out about Sunny and including pictures. It is difficult to determine by the pictures but it is concerning that this could be a yellow fungus problem. If it is a poor shed, warm water soaks might help the retained shed loosen. A veterinary visit should be scheduled for diagnostic and treatment purposes. If you have other bearded dragons, keep them separated until fungal testing is negative.
  Good luck.

  

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• Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on October 12th, 2017

  It looks like it could be yellow skin disease. It is becoming more common in beardies and is thought to be caused by a fungus. The antifungal/antibacterial properties of the Flamazine cream (silver sulfadiazine) likely resolved the previous infection. Have Dude examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp veterinarian for confirmation. A culture and/or biopsy of the area may provide an answer. If it is fungal, topical treatment may work but systemic treatment is usually more effective. Clean and sanitize the cage, furniture and bowls. Monitor and prevent elevated humidity levels which can promote fungal or bacterial overgrowth.

  

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• Answered By Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

  Veterinarian, Board-Certified Zoological Medicine Specialist

  Published on December 3rd, 2017

  Hello, The yellow spot could be caused by several things like fungus, bacteria, or a skin mass. The fact that it’s getting smaller is good! Without an exam, I can’t tell you for sure what t is. However, I would be worried about something called “yellow fungus disease.” This is a potentially serious fungal infection common in bearded dragons. Diagnosis can be done by your veterinarian by way of a biopsy and culture of the affected skin. Sometimes, this infection spreads to other organs and can kill the dragon. Since you describe a small lesion, I would expect that if this in fact what’s going on, treatment would have a good chance of working. Therefore, I recommend taking Stalin to see a vet very soon so you can diagnose and treat early for the next chance of success. Good luck!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful