**8. Clinical importance of histology and anatomy knowledge for the dermatology of reptiles**

Reptile skin heals much slower than mammalian skin, often taking about 6 weeks to fully restore the defect. Malnourished animals are hypoproteinemic and unable to produce enough enzymes to form true cleavage zone, resulting in dysecdysis (failure to shed). Lack of moisture will also delay the process [11]. Skin permeability increases when skin is in contact with water, so water baths are a good way to rehabilitate sick reptiles and treat dysecdysis [11]. Wound healing is slow in reptiles, so stitches should be left at least 6 weeks [32]. It is best to leave stitches in place until ecdysis occurs since the increased activity in the dermis in epidermis promotes better healing and strength.

It should also be considered that during ecdysis, the skin becomes more permeable and more vulnerable to parasites and infection.
