Fish Pedicure: A Risky Aesthetic Treatment for Tourists

J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2020 Sep 1;110(5):Article_19. doi: 10.7547/19-006.

Abstract

Fish pedicure is considered to be an aesthetic treatment, first conceived in Turkey, in Kangal Hot Springs. These hot waters are rich in two species of fish of the Cyprinidae family that feed on the stratum corneum layer of patients with psoriasis. This treatment was later adapted to many spa resorts for "fish pedicure." In this article, we performed a review of the skin infections already reported, explaining why this procedure, performed usually during summer holidays by tourists, is not risk free and should be discouraged by health workers.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyprinidae*
  • Esthetics
  • Humans
  • Turkey
  • Water

Substances

  • Water