Why Is My Leopard Gecko Turning White Complete Care Guide!

If you’ve noticed your leopard gecko turning pale or even completely white, it’s normal to feel a little worried. These reptiles are usually bright, colorful, and active, so any sudden change can seem unusual. 

Your leopard gecko is likely turning white because it’s preparing to shed. Pale skin can also result from stress, illness, or environmental changes. Shedding is the most common and normal reason for this change.

In this guide, we’ll explore the real reasons leopard geckos turn white and what you can do to help them.

The number one reason most leopard geckos turn pale or white is shedding.

• Geckos, like all reptiles, outgrow their skin. To keep up with growth and maintain healthy scales, they shed their outer layer regularly.
• Before shedding, their skin loosens and becomes dull, giving them that characteristic white or ghost-like appearance.

• Young geckos: shed as often as once a week since they grow quickly.
• Adults: shed less often, typically every 4–8 weeks.

• Pale, milky, or white skin.
• Cloudy eyes.
• Lethargy and hiding more often.
• Reduced appetite.

• Provide a humid hide with damp moss or paper towel to soften the old skin.
• Keep humidity between 30–40% overall, with a slightly more humid micro-spot in the tank.
• If skin gets stuck on toes or tail tips, gently soak the gecko in shallow lukewarm water and use a cotton swab to loosen it.

Shedding is normal and usually nothing to worry about unless the old skin gets stuck.

Not all color changes are temporary. Some geckos are simply born to be pale or white due to selective breeding.

• Blizzard Morph – solid pale or white with little pattern.
• Diablo Blanco – a striking white morph with red eyes.
• Patternless Morph – lighter tones with reduced markings.

If your gecko is one of these morphs, then the white coloration is perfectly normal and permanent. It’s not a sign of stress or illness, but rather a unique genetic trait that makes your gecko special.

Tip: Always ask breeders about morph background so you can distinguish natural traits from potential health concerns.

Leopard geckos rely on external heat sources to regulate body temperature. An improper environment can cause stress, dull coloration, or pale skin.

• Warm side: 88–92°F (31–33°C)
• Cool side: 75–80°F (24–27°C)
• Night temps: not lower than 70°F (21°C)

If temperatures fall outside these ranges, geckos may turn pale as their bodies struggle to adjust.

• Geckos are nocturnal, so they don’t need strong UVB light, but a stable day/night rhythm is crucial.
• Too much light can stress them, causing fading colors.

• Bare enclosures, constant handling, or missing hides can leave your gecko feeling unsafe.
• Stressed geckos often change color temporarily, becoming lighter or duller.

Even with a perfect enclosure, outside factors may stress your gecko. Stress leads to color fading, appetite loss, and unusual behavior.

• Frequent handling, especially during shedding.
• Loud noises or vibrations near the tank.
• New pets or other geckos nearby.
• Recent changes in enclosure decor or location.

• Staying in hides for long hours.
• Sudden color fading or white appearance.
• Skittish or defensive behavior.

Minimizing stress ensures your gecko maintains its natural bright coloration.

Leopard geckos need a balanced diet of live insects supplemented with calcium and vitamins. Without this, they may appear pale or weak.

• A deficiency can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), a serious condition causing deformities and lethargy.
• Pale skin and dull coloration may appear alongside other symptoms like shaky movement and soft bones.

• Dust feeders with calcium at every meal for juveniles, and several times a week for adults.
• Provide vitamin supplements (with D3 if no UVB is used).
• Use gut-loaded insects for maximum nutrition.

A dehydrated gecko often appears dull, wrinkled, or whitish.

• Sunken eyes.
• Loose, dry skin.
• Lethargy.

• Always keep a shallow water dish in the tank.
• Mist the humid hide occasionally.
• Offer hydrating feeder insects like hornworms.

Hydration plays a huge role in skin health and successful shedding.

Not all cases of whitening are harmless. Sometimes, it’s a red flag for underlying illness.

• Internal parasites cause weakness, weight loss, and dull skin.
• Infected geckos often look pale and unhealthy overall.

• Fungal or bacterial infections may cause patchy white spots or dull skin tone.
• If you notice flaky or uneven patches, this requires veterinary care.

• A pale or weak gecko, combined with wheezing, mucus, or gaping mouth, may be suffering from respiratory issues due to poor temperatures or humidity.

If whitening is persistent and paired with other symptoms, don’t delay a vet visit.

It’s normal to see your gecko turn white before a shed, but there are times when immediate vet care is essential.

• White color that lasts more than a week with no shed.
• Skin stuck after shedding (especially on toes or tail tip).
• Loss of appetite for more than 7–10 days.
• Extreme lethargy or rapid weight loss.
• White patches that look infected or irregular.

A reptile-experienced veterinarian can diagnose underlying issues with tests, stool samples, and physical exams.

Your leopard gecko may look white in the morning because it’s starting to shed. Overnight, their old skin loosens, making them appear pale. This is usually normal, and color will return after shedding completes.

If your gecko looks pale but isn’t shedding, it may be stressed, dehydrated, or living in the wrong temperature. Sometimes poor nutrition also causes dull skin. Always check habitat, hydration, and feeding routine to keep them healthy.

When a leopard gecko turns white but doesn’t shed right away, it’s often preparing for the shedding process. Sometimes the skin stays pale for days before peeling off. Ensure humidity is correct so shedding can happen smoothly.

If your gecko turns white and is losing weight, it may signal illness, parasites, or stress beyond normal shedding. Shedding alone shouldn’t cause weight loss. A vet check is best if the problem continues with appetite changes.

A pale gecko that refuses food may be shedding, stressed, or unwell. Shedding often causes short-term loss of appetite, but if this continues, dehydration, parasites, or habitat issues might be the cause. Veterinary advice may be needed.

Young leopard geckos shed often, sometimes every week, because they grow quickly. Adults usually shed once every four to six weeks. Regular shedding is normal, but difficulty or stuck skin means you may need to adjust humidity levels.

Crested geckos also turn white before shedding, just like leopard geckos. Their skin gets pale as the old layer loosens. If your crested gecko stays white too long or looks unhealthy, check humidity and seek help if needed.

Leopard geckos may stop eating for many reasons—shedding, stress, cold temperatures, or sickness. A short break from eating during shedding is normal, but if appetite doesn’t return soon, you should review care setup or consult a reptile vet.

Unhealthy geckos may stop eating, lose weight, act weak, or hide too much. Dull skin, odd poop, and unusual behavior often mean something’s wrong.

Calcium deficiency shows as weak legs, shaky movement, or bent bones. Geckos may struggle to walk or climb. It’s a serious condition needing quick care.

Leopard geckos lose color before shedding, when stressed, or in poor setups. Wrong temperatures, dehydration, or illness can also make their skin look dull.

Dehydrated geckos have sunken eyes, wrinkled skin, and act weak. They may not shed well. Always keep fresh water and a humid hide available.

Most often, white skin means shedding. The old layer loosens, making geckos pale. If it lasts too long or looks patchy, check humidity and health.

Unhealthy geckos look thin, weak, or pale. They may stop eating, have stuck shed, or show unusual poop. Healthy geckos stay alert, bright, and active.

Vitamin A deficiency causes swollen eyes, poor vision, and difficulty shedding. Geckos may struggle to hunt or eat. Balanced supplements help prevent this serious issue.

Yes, stressed geckos often turn pale or darker. Stress from handling, loud noises, or poor setup can affect their skin tone. Comfort restores normal color.

Seeing your leopard gecko turn white can feel concerning, but in most cases, it’s just part of their natural shedding cycle. Shedding keeps them healthy and is completely normal. Still, pale or white skin can sometimes signal stress, dehydration, poor nutrition, or illness. Always check their environment, diet, and hydration to ensure everything is right. If whitening lasts too long, or you notice weight loss, stuck skin, or loss of appetite, it’s best to seek veterinary help. With proper care and attention, your leopard gecko will stay healthy, vibrant, and continue to brighten your home.