New ‘fish pedicures’ can carry health risk

PEOPLE with weak immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of infection from controversial fish pedicures, experts have warned.

Questions have been raised in recent months over the beauty craze, which sees customers place their bare feet in tanks of water containing tiny garra rufa fish, which nibble on dead skin.

While the pampering carries a “very low” risk for healthy clients, those with conditions including diabetes and psoriasis have now been advised against the indulgence.

The pedicures – which are popular in Asia – have been banned in some American states, including Florida, Texas, New Hampshire and Washington amid fears that infections could spread through open wounds.

The UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued new guidance after a panel found fish tank water contained a number of micro-organisms and that infections could be transmitted either from fish to person (during the nibbling process), water to person (from the bacteria which can multiply in water), or person to person (via water, surrounding surfaces and the fish).

While it advised certain individuals to avoid treatment, it said any risk was “very low” for healthy clients when spas adhered to cleanliness rules.

Dr Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist at the HPA, said: “Provided that good standards of hygiene are followed by salons, members of the public are unlikely to get an infection from a fish spa pedicure. However, the risk will be higher for certain people.

“This is why we feel it’s important for salons to ensure the client has no underlying health conditions that could put them at risk, and that a thorough foot examination is performed to make sure there are no cuts, grazes or existing skin conditions that could spread infection.”

Anyone considering a fish pedicure should ensure cuts or infections on the feet or legs have healed before treatment.