Urgent Care :: URGENT: IS THIS ROTTING SHELL?!

[melrai]

How big is your turtle?: 4" - give or take more
How long have you had it?: A couple months now

What is the water temperature?: 75-78
Did you use a thermometer?: Yes
Are you using a water heater?: Yes
How much water is in there?: Halfway 20 gallons?
Are you using a water conditioner?: No
Are you using any filtration?: Yes

What is the basking temperature?: 90
Is there a basking light?: Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?: Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of?: Plastic?
Is there a UVB light?: Yes, a light bulb

What have you been trying to feed it?: Turtle pellets and Red Leaf Lettuce
When was the last time your turtle ate?: This morning

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?: I'm guessing around 20 gallons
Is the tank near a window?: Yes, but not directly in front of it
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?: Yes

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? No, everything is mentioned below

I have noticed that both my turtles seem to have flaking skin on the edges of their shell. It looks a little translucent and in some areas (not very many) it is a little white.
I searched and I read that it may be rotting shell?! But, I just wanted to know if it were normal to have their shells shed?

Thanks

[ljapa]

Turtles will occasionally shed their scutes, the scales covering their shell. What you describe sounds like that and is perfectly normal.

Can you post a pic so we can be sure?

[melrai]

Turtles will occasionally shed their scutes, the scales covering their shell. What you describe sounds like that and is perfectly normal.

Can you post a pic so we can be sure?[/quote]

Sure!

They are posted below. Please let me know if this worked.

Thanks!

[steve]

It looks more typical of fungus. How often does your turtle bask?

[melrai]

It looks more typical of fungus. How often does your turtle bask?

Oh goodness, it's hard to tell - I would say for sure every day...usually at night (should I leave the basking light on all the time? I got into the habit to shut it off during "bedtime").

I don't have a exact time they bask though, I know that they absolutely do.

[steve]

I would try to treat it quickly since fungus can easily get out of hand.

[melrai]

I would try to treat it quickly since fungus can easily get out of hand.

Last night I washed his shell with antibacterial soap and a toothbrush. I then let him walk around the house to air-dry for about an hour.
I noticed that he basks at night - when everyone is sleeping/when there is little noise in the house (because he is kinda timid).

Anything else I can do to speed up the process? I read that Iodine (all natural) would be a solution as well?

Thanks for all your help

[steve]

Silver sulfadiazine if the most effective treatment for this type of fungus.

[melrai]

Silver sulfadiazine if the most effective treatment for this type of fungus.

Thank-you very much!