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Video length: 3 min
Health: does the “fish pedicure” present any risks?
The “fish pedicure” consists of having your feet cleaned by fish that eat dead skin. A fun method that has gone around the world. But this trend is now being called into question for health reasons.
In videos that have made the rounds on social networks, we see people immersing part of their body in aquariums in order to have their skin cleaned by small fish that eat dead skin. This practice is present in France, with concrete promises in terms of well-being and even health. What are the real effects of these so-called “medicine fish”? “Firstly, there is an exfoliating power, to have soft feet”explains Virginie Yang, head of a specialized establishment.
A practice banned in around ten of American states
Some believe that the practice is also effective against psoriasis. “It doesn’t cure”, says Catherine Gaucher, dermatologist. In France, Anses has been warning about the risk linked to hygiene in aquariums for around ten years. Water and fish can transmit bacteria or viruses from the previous guest. The United States has banned the practice in around ten states.
