PH
Fish foot spa pedicures could spread diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C, health experts have warned.
People with diabetes, psoriasis or a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable and should not take part in the beauty craze at all.
The risk of infection for users of the increasingly popular treatment, in which dozens of tiny fish nibble dead skin from customers' feet, is ‘low but could not be completely excluded’.
Fish tank water contains micro-organisms and believes problems could arise from bacteria being transmitted by the pedicure’s garra rufa fish, from the spa water itself or from one customer to another if the water is not changed.
If a user is infected with a blood-borne virus like HIV or hepatitis and bleeds in the water, there is a risk the diseases could be passed on.
The pedicures: which is meant to leave clients with smooth and attractive feet, it is popular in Asia but some states in US banned it due to fears that infections could spread through open wounds.