'Fish pedicure' health warning

14:28 28 February 2011

Health experts are investigating the safety of the current 'fish pedicure' craze.

There are concerns that this latest pampering treatment could spread infections.

The so-called 'fish pedicures' involve feet being put in tanks filled with small Garra Rufa fish that nibble away at dead skin.

Now, the Health Protection Agency has expressed concern that this could spread diseases from person to person through open wounds.

A spokesperson for the agency said:

"Following a number of enquiries to the HPA from local environmental health officers over the past six months, the agency is currently investigating if there are any potential risks of infection associated with the commercial use of fish spa pedicures in the UK.

"The HPA and Health Protection Scotland is currently unaware of any cases of infection associated with the use of the fish spas pedicures in the UK."

The use of the Garra Rufa fish or 'doctor fish' in spas has been gaining in popularity in the UK.

However, in the US some states have already banned their use over health and safety concerns.