Betta open wound on head and pet store recommended...........

[Kjw1998]

I have a betta with a strange indention on his head. It look like his flesh is showing in this area and that his scales are gone. A while back he had a case of fin rot and the vet put him on antibiotic soaks for 5 hours a day for 10 days. He literally came back from the dead! But after these treatments, this area on his face showed up and I am very worried. The pet store folks gave me MELAFIX and wonder what you guys think about that treatment? And also, can you tell what this is? Picture attached. Thanks!

[Tobythefish]

He's cute. :) I don't know what to do about his head, more experienced members can help there, but you should definitly not use Melafix or Bettafix for that matter. Both can harm a bettas Labyrinth organ.

[Kjw1998]

Thank you so much, I wont even open the bottle and return it!

[SwimmR]

I'd do the salt treatment - 1tsp/gal (AQ or other non-iodized salt). Do for 5-10 days (no more). It's great for healing any kind of wound.

[Sena Hansler]

Bettafix is a watered down version of mellafix - both contain tea tree oil, which can harm a betta's labyrnth organ. Some bettas are very very sensitive to it, while others are not. However, it does work, but I'd recommend other options first.Remember - it MIGHT say "betta" on it, but it doesn't always mean it's the best stuff on the market.

It looks like a "Scrape", if he happened to have dashed around bumping into something with a sharp edge. Is there anything in your tank, like a hard ornament? Or another fish?

Aqarium salt, like SwimmR said. if you can, float him in a 1 gallon container, in his tank to keep the temperature warm. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt, in tank water, and add. I suggest no more than 10 days, as this will cause more trouble then good. 100% water change each day while on treatment.