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Hot Chilly · Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 659 Location: Tropics

Two ladies (who were sisters) tried the latest health fad in town of letting little fishes nibble your legs to get rid of dead skin and regretted. They claimed that that their legs became itchy and turned red and blotchy. They also said they had brown patches and scaly skin after going to a "fish spa" that features the Garra rufa fish, a Turkish spa fish.

The treatment cost them $28 each, for a half-hour session. Clients have to submerge their legs in a tank filled with the fish.

They felt a stinging sensation, redness and itchiness after the treatment. They saw separate doctors who told them that they had fungal infection on their skin. They were given cream to apply to the affected areas.

She said she had tried asking for a compensation from the spa - $108 each for her and her sister. This is to cover their medical bills ($80 each) and for the refund of the treatment fee ($28 each).

But the shop declined to pay because she could not produce the medical bills. Miss Jas Huang claimed that she had thrown away the bills - hers and her sister's - in a fit of anger.

She added: "I regret trying the fish treatment. It was fun and interesting at first, but now it has turned into a nightmare. I wouldn't dare try such treatments in future."

All customers must sign before proceeding with the treatment. It stated that the spa "holds no responsibility for any ailments that arises after treatment".

However, the Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) said that making customers sign an indemnity form does not absolve the shop from responsibility.

Dermatologist Patricia Yuen says:

1. No proven medical benefit from fish spa. Fish might bite off skin cells, but it is not a medical treatment. If water is not treated for hygiene, it could be a breeding ground for fungi.

2. Possible to get fungal and bacterial skin infection from submersion in the fish tank.

3. Symptoms of fungal and bacterial infection and redness of the skin, blotchiness and itchiness. With scratching and after-treatment, a brown pigmentation may appear. Brown patches will disappear eventually anytime from a few weeks to a few months.

- Extracts from : The New Paper 24 Aug 08

http://www.asiaone.com/Health/Women%2527s%2BMatters/Story/A1Story20080825-84184.html

Hot Chilly · Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 659 Location: Tropics

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Doctor Fish spa in spring water

The acclaimed miraculous treatment by nibbling fish in thermal lukewarm waters could improve skin condition!
Massage is given by the younger fish which need more nutrients for their rapid growth.

- Silkroad Hotel in Turkey