The skin on top of my RES' head began changing color and texture a few months ago. When I first noticed it, it appeared a bit raw and I thought it was a burn from the tank heater, so I began treating it with antibiotic cream. (I also fixed the heating setup so he couldn;t burn himself) It started to look less wound like, but the skin on top of his head never went back to looking as it did before. Lately, it seems to be getting worse. I've tried a series of sulfa baths, but that didn't seem to do anything. Also, this doesn't seem to have affected his behavior at all. He acts healthy and active and has his normal appetite.

Here are some photos - you can see where the dark weird skin is encroaching on his healthy skin





I can't find anything that matches this description online, and I'm wondering if it actually was a burn to begin with. Any help would be really appreciated!

That is a cute little turtle and I am sorry that you are having trouble with him. Some turtle person will be on the forum later tonight or sometime tomorrow and maybe that can help you with your little guy.

Welcome to the forum by the way! :)
Tia

I'm not one of the turtle people either, but I looked around for you. You didn't mention how old he is. But the black skin could/might be him going from juvenile to adult stage. Might be. The pics I've seen aren't as clear as your pics...which is kinda strange, it's usually the reverse. At least it's hope that it might be normal.

I've never seen anything like that. I'm not a turtle expert either but some people think I am just because I wrote a web site which anyone with time could do. I don't have that time anymore though. I would consult a reptile vet to see what they say. It's a good sign that he's acting normal. It doesn't look like a burn to me or an injury.

Its skin changing colors thats all, there is no illness dealing with turtles that the skin changes colors, except if the skin got red