Many people feel that they could get rid of the hard skin on their feet by using a fish pedicure but are worried about infection.
Fish tank water has been shown to contain a number of microorganisms. Therefore, in a fish spa setting there is the potential for transmission of a range of infections either from:
- fish to person (during the nibbling process),
- water to person (from the bacteria that can multiply in water), or
- person to person (via water, surrounding surfaces and fish).
However, the overall risk of infection is likely to be very low, if appropriate standards of hygiene are adhered to.
A fish spa working group led by the Health Protection Agency concluded that those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical conditions, including diabetes and psoriasis, are likely to be at increased risk of infection and so fish pedicures are not recommended for such individuals.
The working group advised that operators of fish spas should not promote treatment to these groups.
For more information and advice on fish spa guidance, download the Health Protection Agency's fish spa guidance press release (PDF) 35KB.
Reviewed: February 2012
Next review: August 2013