Medical community criticizes treatment JEDDAH – A new beauty treatment called “Dr. Fish”, which is being used in beauty salons in the Kingdom since last October, employs small fish to nibble away at the dead skin of a client's feet and hands. Called a “fish manicure or pedicure”, this treatment, which is thought to have originated in Asia, has become popular with customers, but is not without its critics in the medical community. Dr. Khaled Idris, a consultant of foot medicine and surgery, has called upon the municipality and health affairs management to oppose the use of this technique and to launch inspection tours of beauty salons. Idris spoke to Saudi Gazette about the health risks involved in such beauty treatments. “This beauty technique can affect the health of citizens and play a major role in increasing the spread of infectious diseases. The Ministry of Health must intervene and inspect these beauty salons,” he said. According to Idris, there has been an increase in the number of salons in Jeddah using the Dr. Fish beauty treatment, but most of them are unaware of the possible health risks, and they have not obtained a license from the municipality for the use of the technique. “Risks include the possible spread of viral diseases, such as hepatitis and AIDS, as well as the fact that the water is not sterile and is full of bacteria,” he explained. According to Idris, countries in Europe and the United States banned the use of Dr. Fish in 2009 for being in violation of health and hygiene regulations and to protect citizens from infectious diseases. “In Europe the technique was banned because of the issue of sterilization. For example, when a doctor uses a needle or a surgical blade, he must sterilize these instruments first, and then these items must be disposed of after being used. The objective is to prevent the transmission of disease from one person to another,” he said. “However, it is impossible to sterilize the fish used in this beauty technique and the water that they live in,” he added. “This beauty technique uses several small fish to nibble away at the dead skin on a person's foot, and then a bit of foot massage is done to make the person comfortable,” said Da'wa Filemban, the owner of a beauty center in Jeddah. Filemban described how the beauty treatment works. “There are two kinds of small fish used; they live in shallow water and feed on the dead skin on patients' feet.” According to Filemban, this treatment can also be used to treat eczema, dark patches of skin and ingrown nails as well to refresh blood circulation, remove birthmarks, reduce stress levels and provide a feeling of contentment. Najla'a Al-Bader, another beauty center owner in Jeddah, explained to Saudi Gazette why local women showed interest in this beauty treatment. “The Dr. Fish treatment originated in Asia and many Arab women feel that Asian women have beautiful skin. So many customers are interested in this strange treatment without being aware that it can involve health risks,” she said. According to Al-Bader, she receives many requests from women looking for this beauty treatment but she does not offer it because of the expenses involved in setting it up in her salon.
