It's the latest in pampering... a fish pedicure - dunking your feet into a warm water filled tank of Garra Rufa (a toothless carp) fish that eat away dead skin cells. They're very meticulous and don't miss a thing, and leave the skin of the feet (or hands) amazingly soft. Experts are checking into the safety of these unconventional procedures after worries that this bit of pampering might spread infection.
An agency in the U.K., the Health Protection Agency, had gotten a few questions and has begun investigating any possible risks of infection that come from the latest craze in pedicures. Guidelines are on the way. In the U.S., as many as 14 states have banned fish pedicures (others are looking into the procedure) because of concerns over using the same fish to clean multiple pairs of feet.
There are no infections linked to the use of fish pedis today.
The newest spa treatment is popular in Asia, Europe and parts of the U.S. and uses special fish called doctor fish to get rid of the dead skin on feet or fingers. Treatments include as many as 150 of these little fish swimming in the tank and gently suck at the feet, between the toes, at the heels and all over to remove dead skin. Since they have no teeth, they can't bite off live skin, so in as little as 15 minutes you'll be rid of three layers of dead skin.
You'll then have a traditional pedicure. The cost: $35 for 15 minutes; $50 for 30 minutes according to prices at an Alexandria, Virginia area spa.
So what's it feel like? If you can get over the idea of a bunch of hungry fish swarming around your feet and eating (gently sucking) your dead skin, the sensation is "lovely" according to a woman who has tried the procedure. Ticklish is how another client describes it. Both agree that if you don't look down, you'd never know you weren't enjoying a regular foot spa.
And then the fish are a nice alternative to the razors often used to remove dead skin from the feet in more traditional pedicures. Razors have fallen out of favor due to concerns about sanitation of the equipment.
These doctor fish can also be used to help with troublesome conditions of the skin such as psoriasis. Traditional treatments are topical or system wide medications, but more often today people are looking for more natural, side effect free alternatives. Experts believe that since the fish feed on skin scales, they will be able to reduce the scales that are part of psoriasis lesions. Resorts that offer the treatment for psoriasis are typically outside the United States.
If you do get a chance to experience a fish pedicure, you'll be smart to do some basic homework first. Ask some questions or inspect the area where the pedicures are done. You're looking for your own tank of fish, rather than a shared tank. There should be a filter for the water and the proper lighting (UV) for the fish. The water in the tank should be changed daily, and regularly checked for quality and bacteria levels. Add extra points for any salon that doesn't use the same batch of fish twice in the same day.
Washing of the feet, and a close check for open wounds should be a part of any quality pedicure. This is the most important way to keep infections from spreading.
Remember that the fish are officially considered "tools" of the trade, and can't truly be sanitized without killing them. And replacement fish are expensive. To find the status of whether a fish pedicure is available in your state, visit the board of health website for your location.
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