Warning against fish pedicures for those of ill health

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

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

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

The pedicures, which are popular in Asia, have been banned in some US states amid fears that infections could spread through open wounds.

Britain’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) yesterday issued 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, water to person, or person to person.

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

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.

Clients are also urged to wait at least 24 hours after having a leg wax or shaving to minimise the chances of contracting an infection.