skin problem

[new292918xk]

I've bought this chameleon about 2 months ago in a reptile shop and it was in a fairly healthy state. Recently I've noticed a grey/white spot on its right side body. I tried to gently rubbing it with a wet q-tip, but it doesn't seems to have any effect only to cause the chameleon to squirm away as if it hurts when I touch it.

I've been keeping the temperature 60-70 and humidity 60-80.

Although its still eating normally I'm still very concerned about it. I've attached a picture, any suggestions other than taking it to the vet? Since it can cost quite alot and I'm just a student working a part time job.

(the white stuff on its eye and mouth are from the calcium powder)

 

[LundqvistNYR]

maybe its a burn?

 

[Lathis]

I thought that too. How close to the lamps can he get? Close enough to gets burned?

 

[oblgobl]

Did this mark appear like this one day or did it start small and grow?
It kind of looks like a burn wich will scar unfortunately. There's a cream you can use that humans use for burns it's called silverdene but I'm not sure if it's an over the counter cream or if you'd need a prescription.
What temp is his basking spot? and how close can he get to the bulb?
If it started small and gradually got bigger you might need to take him to the vet he could need antibiotics or an anti fungal.
For now keep a close eye and keep him well hydrated if it doesn't improve he'll likely need a vet.
I'd start putting some money aside everytime I get paid if I were you these animals are quite delicate and you never know when you'll need money for an emergency vet trip, not having a go I don't make a lot of money myself so I've saved up and have a little emergency fund If I ever need it.

 

[new292918xk]

Thanks for the replies! The spot just showed up one day, it wasn't slowly developed. It could possibly be the lamp as the light bulb's directly pressing onto the top of the cage, but I've never seen the chameleon touching or getting anywhere close to it. There's about 4 inch space in between the highest point in cage and the light bulb (where it usually rests).

The basking point temp is around 70 degrees. I sometimes bump my finger on the bulb by accident when I try to handle the chameleon, but it doesn't even burn my skin so I'd assume it isn't very hot.

I'll try to get some silverdene and see how it goes

 

[SycoSquirl]

i would just take it to a vet first before putting something on it that may not help, i would rather spend the money (just my opinion) to make sure i dont make things worse, i hope your little guy feels better soon though, poor little guy

 

[oblgobl]

Are you sure his basking spot is 70? How are you mesuring his temps?
70 is way too low I'd imagine at those temps he wouldn't be able to digest his food properly thus giving him a poor appetite but you say he eats well. Basking spot should be 80-85 until he gets older then you can bump it up to around 90.

If it is a burn and your temps are that low as weird as it sounds he might have been burnt because it's too cold. Chams don't feel heat the same way as we do and the longer they stay under the basking spot basking the hotter they get. If your enclouser is too cold it's possible that your cham is just staying under his light for too long wich can result in a burn.

 

[new292918xk]

I see, I'll change the light bulb asap. I measured it with one of those glass thermometer so it should be pretty accurate. Also the burn med can only be obtain with prescription so I'll be taking it to the vet.