Think twice before dipping your feet in water filled with “garra rufa” fish! Exfoliation of the skin by its small fish presents risks according to an ANSES report. The health agency has been commissioned by the Ministry of Health to investigate the risks of disease transmission through fish or water.
For her assessment, she interviewed scientists specializing in risks related to water, microbiology, fish health and dermatology.
Main lesson, the development of this offer of care is done without real control. Out of the hundred establishments counted, only a handful would satisfy the regulations relating to captive wildlife. However, this lack of supervision, in the absence of specific health regulations, leaves the field open to potentially infectious practices.
A risk of water contamination in fish pedicure pools
Cases of bacterial infection have been described according to the agency, without being recorded. To explain this risk of transmission of pathogens, ANSES puts forward “the impossibility of maintaining disinfectant water in the tubs used for fish pedicures”. It would kill the fish.
In addition to the possibility of infectious microorganisms in fish, the danger can also come from the user. Diabetics, the immunocompromised, and people with skin lesions on their feet are more prone to infections, the agency said. People with potentially original skin thickening mycotic constitute another population at risk.
Should we therefore avoid the fish pedicure? The agency recommends waiting for the acquisition of official data to be able to quantify the real risk associated with this practice, even if it considers this risk for the time being “probably low”. The agency also pleads for a framework of this care in order to guarantee the control of the quality of the water of the tank and the rules of hygiene.
>> To read also: Feet: what they say about your health