Doctor Fish Pedicure: Where Doctor Fish, doctor feet.

Doctor Fish, scientifically known as Garra Rufa and also nicknamed nibble fish, eat away dead skin cells from the feet when used in pedicures. These fish have become accustomed to eating almost anything to survive including dead skin cells. Since the fish have no teeth though, they are unable to bite off and eat live flesh thus making the usage of them pretty safe.

These fish have been used extensively in Turkish and Asian spas for treatment of various skin conditions, especially psoriasis. The fish help to control the disease by feeding on the dead and affected skin of patients. They have actually totally cured some patients of their psoriasis symptoms after several treatments but due to the unpredictable nature of the disease it is hard to say if the fish were the only reasons for the cure. This usage is only considered a temporary cure however.

Some people who experience the fish pedicures have noticed total removal of calluses. The fish pedicure is not itself a stand alone treatment though, it is normally accompanied by a regular pedicure afterwards. The pedicure normally last about 15- 20 minutes and typically costs $35 for 15 minutes or $50 for 30 minutes.

When used in pedicures, the fish are usually kept in tanks that accommodate one person at a time and the water changed for each different customer. This ensures the highest level of hygiene and cleanliness. About one hundred (100) fish at a time normally reside in one tank to feed on the dead skin cells of one person. In european countries they are usually kept in communal pools, sometimes outdoors.

Some people have described the fish pedicures as a little ticklish, while others have said it feels like your feet have fallen asleep. Others love the tingling sensation. So you’ll have to try it for yourself to see if you like it. When used in larger communal pools, the fish have a tendency to flock to the feet with larger amounts of dead skin cells. This can of course produce embarrassing, but cute and humorous situations!

A doctor fish pedicure happening in Singapore.

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