[DroidiKae]

My juvenile iguana (almost 2 years old) has been rubbing his nose to the point that it seems like areas of his skin have died. He has a full bathroom to himself with proper UVB/UVA lights and temperature control, as well as plenty of ropes ledges to play and rest on. We did just move, but he's been in the new space for 3 months now, and the nose rubbing has gotten progressively worse. Today when I ran him a bath so he could swim, I noticed that he had a build up of snalt on his nose. As the water washed it off, I could see the skin looked loose. It's white in color, and when gently touched, a large piece hinged off and looks like it's dead to the bone. He did not react to touch to the area. Is this from the rubbing, or is there an infection that causes this? How can I save his nose? I want to protect my little guy. Thanks.

 

[WingedWolfPsion]

Yes, they can rub their nose raw (or even completely off), and it can become infected. An antibiotic ointment without painkillers (neosporin) is generally safe--confine it to the wounded area, as it can cause scales to slough.

If you see any real sign of infection around the area, a vet will be needed, as that would require systemic antibiotics.

Step one is to figure out what he's rubbing his nose ON, so he can be stopped. Iguanas and other lizards usually face-rub on glass or mesh surfaces that they can see through, but you said he's in a bathroom...so what is he rubbing on?

Does he have elevated hide boxes, hollow logs, etc, that he can retreat into, to get out of sight?