THE INCREASINGLY POPULAR use of fish pedicures by consumers is being questioned by health experts who warn that people may be at risk of infection.
The UK’s Health Protection Agency are launching an investigation into the possible infection risks associated with the exfoliation treatment, according to Reuters.
The procedure involves customers dipping their feet into a water tank filled with the toothless Garra Rufa fish, also known as ‘Doctor Fish’, who suck the dead tissue of people’s feet leaving them feeling softer.
Fish spa pedicures have become increasingly popular in the UK with Ireland’s first fish pedicure treatment salon opening in Sutton, Co Dublin last year. A treatment there costs €60.
They are popular in Asia however some US states, including Florida, Texas, New Hampshire, and Washington, have banned the treatment, according to the Press Association.
Watch this CBS News report on fish pedicures when they first hit the US in 2008:
