Hey Mom, What's That Fishy Smell?

The next time your mom heads out for a pedicure (that thing that makes her toes look all pretty), don't be surprised if she comes back smelling a little 'fishy'. Welcome to the latest in SPA treatments - fish pedicures!

Yvonne Hair and Nails Salon in Alexandria, Virginia, introduced this new kind of pedicure about four months. It involves client placing their feet in warm water, swarming with tiny fish known as Garra Ruffa or more affectionately, Doctor Fish. These tiny fish, specialize in nibbling only the dead skin off the feet. They apparently do not touch healthy live skin. Once they have nibbled away at the worst parts, the clients pull their feet out and get a normal pedicure.

Garra Ruffa fish have been used for years in countries like Turkey for patients with psoriasis (kind of skin disease). Over the last few years they have gained popularity in some Asian countries and now it seems in the USA.

John Ho, the owner of the saloon, wasn't sure the fish would thrive in warm water or, if his clients would want to even try it. However, four months after it was first introduced, he has about 1,000 healthy Dr. Fish who have so far nibbled away at the dry skin of over 5,000 clients.

Clients who have tried it, seem to like it and say it feels a little 'ticklish' but since the fish have no teeth, doesn't hurt at all. Also, they believe their feet are much more softer with this treatment.

If successful, Mr. Ho plans to open Dr. Fish pedicure franchises all across the USA and in the future even offer a full-body Dr. Fish treatment - Sounds fishy to us!

Is this something you would be willing to try? Be sure to let us know by adding your comments below.

Sources: Telegraph.co.uk, news24.com