Fish Pedicure not really safe!!!

Beauty buffs, beware! Give a second thought the next time you go for a trendy fish pedicure at the spa, for experts have warned that the foot-nibbling treatment could give you an infection. 

According to the UK's health protection agency, though risks from fish pedicure are "low but could not be completely excluded", the Daily Telegraph reported. And, the agency said that those with diabetes, psoriasis or with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable and should never undergo the pampering craze. In fact, blood-borne viruses could be transmitted if infected clients bleed in spa water that is used again. Dr Hilary Kirkbride of the agency 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. 

"This is why we feel it's important for salons to ensure the client has no underlying health conditions that could put them at risk and that a thorough foot examination is performed to make sure there are no cuts, grazes or existing skin conditions that could spread infection." The warning came 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. Dr Paul Cosford, Director of health protection services at the agency, said the risk posed by the fish tanks could be kept to a minimum if spas followed "strict standards of cleanliness".




http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/science/Water-woes-Fish-pedicures-could-make-you-sick/articleshow/10409420.cms