This woman's toenails fell off after getting a "Fish Pedicure"
It's tempting to get so relaxed that you throw all caution to the wind while getting a pedicure, but there's nothing like a goodbeauty horror story to keep you on your toes when it comes to salon safety. So, consider this an important PSA: Fish pedicures can be dangerous.
In a case study published earlier this month in the journal JAMA Dermatology, doctors examine the story of a 20-year-old woman who lost all her toenails following a fish pedicure.
In case you’re not familiar with the treatment, a fish pedi involves submerging your feet in a tank filled with small fish called Garra rufa, or "doctor fish." These Mediterranean minnows typically eat plants, but in lieu of a suitable plant source, they'll nibble on human skin, chewing the callouses right off your feet. (Disgusting but effective.) Fish pedis have also been touted as a way to remove fungus and bacteria and improve circulation, though these benefits haven't been proven.
But fish pedicures can also apparently be dangerous. After six months of continuously losing her toenails, the woman in the case was diagnosed with onychomadesis, a condition that causes the nails to separate from the skin of your fingers or toes and ultimately fall off. According to the Mayo Clinic, this can happen after an injury, infection, or even as the result of using certain nail hardeners.
After ruling out all other causes, doctors linked the injured nails to the fish pedicure. Their theory is that all those tiny little bites on and around the nails caused enough trauma for them to eventually fall off. According to the author, this is the first known case of a fish pedi causing someone's toenails to fall off.
Fish pedicures may seem like an all-natural treatment, but that doesn't make them safe, as this cringe-worthy case points out. "Tubs and fish cannot be adequately sanitized between people and the same fish are typically reused," the case study's author Shari Lipner, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, wrote. "Thus, there are concerns of transmitting infections between people undergoing these pedicures."
That's no joke. Lipner pointed out that samples taken from fish spas identified "several" bacteria that can cause diseases in humans, and two known cases of staph infections following fish pedis have also been reported. The bacteria is so concerning, these kinds of pedicures are actually banned in several states.
Moral of the story? The actual fish aren't the only fishy thing about fish pedis, so you may want to keep your toes out of the water.
CBDfx Hemp Foot Mask in Peppermint, £4.99, Superdrug
If you're in need of some extra relaxation time and anxiety-calming (who isn't these days?!), try this CBD-infused mask with super soothing premium quality broad spectrum hemp, peppermint, aloe vera and sage oils. The dreamy scent and properties will help interact with the body's endocannabinoid system to help you drift off into a world of wellness.
Beauty Pro Hand & Foot Treatment Set, £14.99, Superdrug
If you're ready to make a real slumber-party night of it with your flatmate, partner or your mum, this Beauty Pro set has two brilliant foot products. Foot Therapy is a mask infused with marine collagen and fruit extracts, as well as having that dreamy scent of cooling peppermint, to help revitalise your toes. Follow it up with a deeper treatment of the Foot & Callus Peel, which will help your soles shed their dead skin and calluses over the next 7 days, leaving soft skin beneath. There's also the added bonus of a hydrating Hand Therapy included too, bargain!
Seoulista Rosy Toes Instant Pedicure, £7.99, Look Fantastic
Imagine a plastic bin bag for your feet, soaking them in oils. No, really. These thin socks are easily transportable, packaged up like your favourite sheet masks and contain 16ml of serum. Gently peel open each bootie, slip your flippers inside and have a 20 minute soak in this scented heaven. You can even combine with their hand masks if you’re feeling doubly fancy.
Skimono Beauty Foot Mask for Total Conditioning, £10, Skimono
The perfect pamper for a slumber party or luxurious Netflix and chill night in, this Skimono Korean-inspired sock foot mask is made with naturally derived bio-cellulose. With shea butter, chamomile, green tea and olive oil, this cooling 30 minute mask will heal any day-to-day heel damage caused by #fashun footwear.
Dr Organic Manuka Honey Foot & Heel Cream, £6.75, Dr Organic
A super conditioning balm that absorbs quickly, this is an easily transportable on-the-go quick-fix treatment for those cracked heels. Expect instant hydration and say bye-bye to your blisters, with this manuka honey and organic bioactive extracts combo cream.
Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly, £2.99, Boots
A golden oldie, petroleum jelly or Vaseline has the brilliant ability to form a barrier and keep the moisture locked in. Try using one of the above products or even just your favourite body moisturiser post-shower, then apply a layer of vaseline to secure that soak.
Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream, £6.50, Space NK
This is a more heavy duty moisturising balm that teams up perfectly with the Yu-Be heel and elbow moisturising socks (don't be afraid of their orthopaedic look, they're totally worth it). It smells slightly more clinical than sexier options, but never fear - a generous layer of this overnight mask will soothe and soften that dry, cracked skin on your heels and leave you fresh come morning.
Skin Republic Foot Peel Mask, £6.59, Superdrug
Sometimes, the answer is peel it all off and start anew. After using this exfoliating foot peel, in just seven sweet days, the Alpha Hydroxy Acids will work their magic and your feet will peel to reveal a new layer of fresh, smooth skin underneath. Kiss your calluses goodbye, you'll be showing off your shiny soles with pride.
