While the treatment has been billed as generally safe, it has been called into question over the years, particularly when the experts from the U.K.’s Health Protection Agency publicly announced that the fish might spread disease from client to client. The same went for certain states within the U.S. that banned salons from using the same fish on multiple customers.
But, as we’ve already mentioned, it looks like these pedicures have taken an even more sinister turn in the form of missing toenails. Again, hope you’re not eating your breakfast!
Here’s what Gizmodo had to say about the disturbing news:
Unfortunately for the unnamed woman in her 20s, her experience was anything but rejuvenating. Following her pedicure, most of her toenails on both feet stopped growing and began to fall off, a condition known as onychomadesis. Six months into her nail troubles, she visited a dermatologist, who ruled out any known causes of onychomadesis, such as major illness or a side effect of certain medications. The most likely culprit, then, was the fish pedicure.
Pretty scary stuff! We don’t know about you, but we certainly would never want to dip our feet in a vat of hungry fish regardless of the benefits. But now that we know that the practice could lead to a lack of toenails, we’ll definitely pass.
To hear a dermatologist’s thoughts on the revelation AND to see what one of these fish pedicures looks like in action for yourself, be sure to watch the video below.
