Infection warning over fish pedicure craze that is sweeping the country

By REBECCA EVANS

Experts are worried that fish pedicures could spread infection and disease


A surge in the number of people getting fish pedicures on the high street has prompted a health warning.

Experts are worried that the latest beauty craze – offered in scores of salons – could spread infection and disease.

The Health Protection Agency says the practice is the subject of a major investigation.

The treatment, which costs between £10 and £50, involves customers dunking their feet in tanks to have their dead skin nibbled away by scores of Turkish miniature toothless carp.

But it has been revealed the pedicures using the garra rufa fish – which have been banned in 14 states in the U.S. – could spread infection from person to person through open wounds. Salons say they use UV-lit tanks which are constantly filtered to keep them clear of disease.

But the therapy’s opponents say that unlike usual salon rules, which compel staff to throw away or sanitise tools after each use, the epidermis-eating fish are too expensive to discard.


The treatment involves customers dunking their feet in tanks to have their dead skin nibbled away by scores of Turkish miniature toothless carp


The agency began investigating after being contacted by environmental health officers.

An agency spokesman said: ‘The HPA will examine the most up-to-date evidence of any possible risks associated with garra rufa fish pedicures.’

Customer Max Langton, from North London, said: ‘I had a pedicure from one of the new high street chains. I was put off when a man sitting opposite me said he had something wrong with his foot and hoped the fish were enjoying it.’

He added: ‘We were asked if we had any fungal infections, but no one checked.’


source: dailymail

Posted in: Health,News Update