Health experts have warned that the latest craze of fish foot spas could spread diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C.
The government's Health Protection Agency said that people with diabetes, psoriasis or weakened immune systems should avoid the 'spas' completely.
The HPA report set out to outline 'good practise' for fish pedicures after a number of cases of infections arising as a result of fish pedicures were brought to light. The organisation examined a number of issues including:
- potential ways infections might occur
- the risk of catching blood-borne viruses, including HIV and hepatitis
- the risk of bacterial infections
- the risk of catching parasites, such as fluke worms
- the risk of transmitting conditions, such as athlete’s foot and verrucas
- procedures that might reduce any health risks
The report, which was made in consultation with experts and professional bodies within the fields of public health, aquaculture, health and safety, and animal welfare, concluded that whilst the risk of infection was extremely low, it could not be completely excluded.
Infections could come from the fish, the water in the tank or the floor of the spa.
Dr Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist at the HPA, 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 problems found to be most associated with the spas came if a person has cuts or sores on their feet but also if they have eczema or psoriasis. In particular Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium marinum can both be transferred via broken skin.
The HPA have also given a series of recommendations for fish spas which include not having one if you have waxed or shaved your legs within 24 hours, if you have any cuts, abrasions or broken skin and if you have any form of dermatitis.
The report did not examine conditions that fish were kept in or any form of animal welfare issue.
For more information see the HPA website.
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