How badly do you want smoother, fresher-smelling feet? For the promise of glowing, baby-soft footsies, would you place them into a cool basin of pint-sized, flesh-eating fish?Though not a new phenomenon, the “fish pedicure” is a growing trend in the spa world.Patrons place their feet in water tubs containing carp-like fish called Garra rufa (or “doctor fish”), which are native to the Middle East.
In turn, the fish go to work snacking on the person’s dead skin cells.It’s important to note that sloughed skin isn’t usually on the menu for these fish, which prefer plankton and plant sources;
they only eat human skin when they can’t find anything better.Those favoring the treatment argue that the fish soften callouses, help lighten dark cuticles and increase circulation.
However, experts say the health risks, both to humans and to the fish, outweigh any potential benefits. As a result, the fish pedicures have been banned in 10 U.S. states, Mexico and parts of Europe.
