Have you ever experienced the feeling of having tiny fish nibbling away at your feet? If not, then you may be considering trying out a fish pedicure. Fish pedicures have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many visits to fish spas being made every day. However, while the experience is said to be incredibly soothing and enjoyable, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this spa treatment. A few months back, a woman named Victoria Curthoys had developed severe infection after a fish pedicure and she had amputated two of her toes.
As you can imagine, getting a fish pedicure involves placing your feet in a tank filled with small fish - usually Garra rufa fish - and allowing them to nibble away at the dead skin on your feet. This type of spa treatment is said to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve blood circulation. But is this treatment safe?
To answer this question, let’s first consider the benefits of a fish pedicure.
The most obvious benefit is that these tiny fish can exfoliate your feet, removing dead skin particles and leaving your skin feeling softer and smoother than before. In addition, the fish also help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation in the feet.
Finally, the sensation of having hundreds of tiny fish swimming around your toes can be incredibly relaxing and enjoyable, providing a unique spa experience.
However, there are also a few risks associated with this type of spa treatment.
For one thing, there is a risk of infection because the same water is being used by multiple people, potentially passing on bacteria and other germs between them.
In addition, some experts have expressed concern about the lack of regulation surrounding fish pedicures – meaning that tanks may not always be cleaned properly or that the same fish may be used to treat multiple people.
Finally, there is also a risk of damage to your feet caused by the fish themselves – especially if they are not closely monitored or if they are too aggressive. These risks may be even higher if you have any cuts or open wounds on your feet as this could increase the chances of infection.
So given these potential risks, how can you ensure that your fish pedicure experience is as safe as possible?
The first step is to make sure that you only visit a reputable spa or salon that has been approved by your local health department. It’s also important to make sure that the tanks are clean and that all staff members are properly trained in hygiene practices. You should also check that the same water is not being used for multiple people – as this could increase the chances of transferring bacteria or other germs – and that any cuts or open wounds on your feet are covered before you enter the tank.
Finally, it’s important to pay attention to how aggressive the fish are when they are nibbling away at your feet – if they seem too aggressive or if you start to feel any discomfort then it’s best to remove your feet from the tank immediately and ask for their activity to be monitored more closely.
So in conclusion, while getting a fish pedicure can provide many benefits, it is important to take certain safety measures to ensure that the experience is as safe as possible. By choosing a reputable salon or spa and paying close attention to hygiene practices, you can rest assured that you will have an enjoyable and relaxing experience without any unpleasant side effects.
