Why Is My Turtle Shell Turning White? – 4 Reasons and How to Solve Them!

White or whitish spots on a turtle shell are not unusual. Although finding this out for the first time is scary, the good news is it’s easy to cure. White spots can appear as small or large patches around the legs and necks of the turtle.

But why is my turtle shell turning white? Skin-shedding, hard water, shell rot, and lack of UV Lighting are the core reasons behind this. Proper treatment will help you to heal the issues. 

Keep reading till the end to find out how exactly this happens and how to easily treat the white shells of turtles!

Why is My Turtle Shell Turning White? Detailed Discussion

There are multiple reasons why the turtle shell is turning white. Here are 4 common causes of a shell losing its color and becoming whitish.

Reasons	Solutions
Hard Water Residues	Mix equal parts vinegar and water.
	Apply the mixture to whitish spots on the shell.
	Clean the tank thoroughly.
	Use a water conditioner.
	Consider a water softener pillow.
Shell Rot or Fungal Infection	Ensure the habitat is not overly humid.
	Gently clean the affected area with a clean scrubber.
	Soak the shell with povidone-iodine.
	Apply silver sulfadiazine ointment.
Skin Shedding or Dysecdysis	Address any underlying shell rot or fungal issues first.
	Maintain a regular water temperature.
	Seek a vet’s advice if the problem persists.
	Provide a humidity box in the enclosure.
Lack of UV-B Light	Invest in a high-quality UV-B light for the habitat.

1.    Hard Water Residues:

Hard water is a short name for water that is rich (in a bad way) in calcium carbonate and magnesium. You may notice some whitish deposits on the glass of the turtle habitat as the water dries up. In this case, instead of wondering why my turtle tank gets dirty so fast, you can blame hard water for that.

This very white deposit can be seen on your turtle’s shell, too. The calcium carbonate can dry up on the shell and leave a white patch. You will notice that the carapace of the shell turns whiter than the other parts.

So, is there anything to worry about? If the turtle shows no signs of illness, it’s probably the hard water residue.

Solution To Hard Water Residue

• Get some vinegar and mix it up with water at a ratio of 1:1.
• Take the turtle out of the tank and use the mixture to the whitish zones on the shell.
• Apply the solution to every nook and corner of the tank, too, including the white areas.
• Wash the tank off with clean water and let it dry.

How To Prevent Hard Water Residue?

• Apply aquarium water conditioner solution.
• Use regular clean water in the tank.
• Use a water softener pillow to reduce calcium from the water.

2.    Shell Rot Or Fungal Infection

Commonly known as ulcerative shell disease, shell rot is a common fungal infection in turtles. It’s also associated with white spots on the shell and can be serious if not treated.

At first, the white spots appear to be small patches, but they can grow larger over time. If not treated, the rotting may cause bleeding and serious infections inside the shell, as well. So, immediate treatment is necessary.

But how do you know if it’s a shell rot? There are some simple hacks. If you notice small holes forming around the white patches, this can be an early sign. Plus, if the white holes gradually turn pinkish or reddish, you may not want to waste more time.

Solution To Shell Rot

• Make sure that the turtle habitat is not highly humid so that the rot can dry off.
• Use a clean scrubber and gently clean the affected area. Use lukewarm water if needed.
• Soak the shell with povidone-iodine daily for 10 minutes. Use surgical gauze.
• Topically apply silver sulfadiazine ointment.

How To Prevent Shell Rot?

• Shell rot primarily occurs from accidental cuts. Ensure your turtle is safe in the habitat and doesn’t climb out and endanger itself.
• Regularly clean the water to avoid any fungus or bacteria formation

3.    Skin Shedding Or Dysecdysis

Most reptiles shed their skin with very little to worry about. The normal skin shedding is known as Ecdysis. This is usual and healthy as it paves the way for the growth of the turtle shell.

Regular peeling off skin also helps to get rid of algae and fungal formation on the outer skin. This shedding is properly visible while the turtle is submerged in water as the thin layer bounces off the hard shell. However, it’s a bit tough to distinguish when the turtle is dry.

While Ecdysis is normal, Dysecdysis is not. Dysecdysis is a term that refers to abnormal shedding in reptiles. You can easily tell the Dysecdysis from Ecdysis by the format of the shedding. 

If the shedding occurs in patches and at different spots, it’s most likely to be Dysecdysis. In most cases, Dysecdysis will lead to shell rot if not properly treated.

Solution To Dysecdysis

• In most cases, the Dysecdysis is a primary sign of shell rot or fungal attack. In that case, you can follow the solution provided in the shell rot solution mentioned before.
• Keep the pet at a regular water temperature ( 75-85 °F or 24-29 °C). If the problem is in its primary stage, it will heal itself.
• If nothing works, see a vet immediately.

Prevention Of Dysecdysis

• Providing a humidity box within your reptile’s enclosure can sometimes prevent shedding
• Frequent shedding can be caused by external parasites irritating the reptile’s skin. So, keep the habitat safe from external creatures.

4. Lack Of UV-B Light

If your turtle isn’t getting proper UV-B light, it may sometimes start to lose the color on the shell. This will cause a white layer to appear on the top, and it won’t look great.

You may notice some random white spots here and there on the shell. The reason should be the UV light you are using isn’t emitting enough light, or it can be damaged.

Solution To Lack Of UV-B Light

• The only solution is to get a good quality UV-B light for the habitat.

When To Take The Turtle To The Vet?

There is no hard and fast rule when to see a vet if your turtle’s shell is turning white. However, at times, this white spot could indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention from a veterinarian.

It’s essential not to ignore it. Pay close attention to any changes in the spot’s appearance, such as if it becomes raised, discolored, or grows in size. If the home remedies aren’t positively impacting in a week or two, visiting the vet in no time is better.

Furthermore, observe your turtle’s behavior. If you notice any significant changes, like a loss of appetite, lethargy, or unusual movements, this could be a sign that something is amiss. If you are wondering – why is my turtle sleeping so much lately, you may want to discuss this with your vet. 

On top of that, regular veterinary check-ups are also crucial for maintaining your turtle’s overall health. These routine visits allow the vet to monitor your turtle’s well-being and catch any potential problems early on. 

Final Words:

When dealing with white spots on a turtle’s shell, it’s important to identify the cause and take appropriate action. Whether it’s shell rot, Dysecdysis, hard water, or even lack of UV light, it does have its solution.

However, home remedies can be effective for mild cases, but severe issues like serious shell rot necessitate professional veterinary care. Consulting a reptile veterinarian is always recommended. Timely intervention is key to ensuring your turtle’s well-being.