Can your fish pedicure cause deadly harm?

Yes, say experts, warning that the beauty regime is a dangerous way to spread infections like hepatitis C     The next time you want to soak your peds in a warm tub while little carp nibble away at the dead skin on it, think again. There's something very 'fishy' about a seemingly cute and harmless footsie pampering. Doctors are sounding the alarm over how a fish pedicure can could spread infection from person to person through open wounds and cause hepatitis C. One government's agency has even warned, that, "Those with diabetes, psoriasis or a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable." The pedicures, that became a craze in in the Far East and Asia, have been banned in some US states, including Florida, Texas, New Hampshire and Washington, due to fears that infections could spread through open wounds. Here's why…  THE SCARE IS REAL  Defined as ichthyotherapy, the procedure involves the 'garra rufa' fish feeding on  dead or unwanted skin on the person's foot, in a small tank. Since the tank or large tub that you soak your foot in, is a small, limited space, the worry is that the water carries micro-organisms and thus health issues can rise when bacteria is transmitted by the fish, either from that tank water itself or then from one customer to another, if the water is not changed between a sitting. Where the lurks, is that, though the recommendation may be to change the spa water after each client 'sitting', the tank may be sterilised that often due to as this process could harm the 100-odd little fish.  DOCTOR SPEAK  Says Dr Swati, Mumbai-based dermatologist warns of severe consequences. "The fish foot spa pedicure, which may seem refreshing can adversely affect your skin. Hygiene of the fish tank is always a question, and it can lead to several foot infections, as one needs to dip their feet in the water and let the fishes remove their dead skin. Not just the upper surface but open wounds, contact with blood or bacteria of other person in the water and also the fish, with your body can also lead to deadly disease like HIV. The regime has been a recent craze in India after it caught on in other countries, but it has seen a downfall too," she says.      Dr S S Trasi, dermatologist, reveals how one's skin is delicate and can suffer. "During the treatment a person submerse his or her feet in a tank that contains lukewarm water along with small toothless fishes. The fish eats only the dead skin but at times they tend to rupture the skin also," she says.      But while it's causing a commotion, skin expert Risha Mehta tells people not to instantly hit the panic button. "If you really want a fish pedicure, here or abroad, just check first that you have no health conditions. Also see that your feet have no open cuts or infectious skin conditions, to put you and others at risk."      ismat.tahseen@timesgroup.com