Fish Pedicure: Review of Its Current Dermatology Applications

Abstract

Ichthyotherapy or fish pedicure is a unique form of biotherapy in which the species Garra rufa or doctor fish is used to exfoliate the skin and potentially aid in healing diseases, such as psoriasis. The practice has gained popularity since its origins in Kangal Fish Spring in Turkey; however, safety concerns, especially among immunocompromised patients, remain. This article reviews the studied dermatological benefits of ichthyotherapy and theorized mechanisms of action. Included are cases examining both infectious and noninfectious complications of this procedure. This review highlights the need to educate susceptible patients about possible adverse effects and the need for more studies assessing this procedure.

Animal healer for refractory diseases: Myth or reality?

“…Fish therapy actually evolved from a fee-based spa program. At present, Turkish Ministry of Health has designated the Kangal Spring as a certified health center to offer a 21-day treatment for worldwide patients with psoriasis [ 115 ]. In 2004, the FDA also approved leeches for clinical use as medical devices at a recommended price of 7–10 USD each [ 116 ].…”

“…The animal healers are defined as natural animals that have direct or indirect therapeutic effects on diseases by acting directly on the patients through various means (including bite, parasitism, contact, communication, etc.). Currently, maggot therapy [ 2 ], helminth therapy [ 3 ], leech therapy [ 4 ], fish therapy [ 5 ], bee therapy [ 6 ] and pet therapy [ 7 ] are known animal treatment providing medical assistance. Among them, leech therapy, maggot therapy and pet therapy are more widely used in clinical practice and have been undergone extensive study.…”

Expanding the Spectrum of Diseases and Disease Associations Caused by Edwardsiella tarda and Related Species

“…Recent data suggest that ornamental fish, particularly goldfish, may play a noteworthy role in Edwardsiella pathogenesis based on recent reports [47,[56][57][58]. Finally, recent biotherapy applications such as fish pedicures or ichthyotherapy may also lead to STI as it has with other aquatic pathogens such as Aeromonas [212]. Recommendations for the prevention of such pet-associated infections have been published and include the suggestion that children under 5 years, immunocompromised persons, and older adults should not touch amphibians, reptiles, or their environments and hands should be washed thoroughly after handling any of these animals [213].…”