Doctor Fish Garra rufa: Health and Risk

Garra Rufa, also known as the "doctor fish", is found in the Northern and Central Middle East river basins, mostly in Turkey, Syria and Iraq. This fish is known for its ability to eat diseased or dead skin, while leaving the healthy skin intact. The recent trend for fish pedicures has been in the health and beauty salons. However, it soon spread to shops and salons where you can sit and relax for a few minutes while your feet are immersed in tiny fish. Aquarium specimens are not suitable for treating skin diseases. The skin-feeding behavior of aquarium fish is only possible in conditions that have a low food supply. They slough off old skin during their foraging activities. They are just looking for food, which in nature is made up of Aufwuchs. Both in freshwater and marine environments, the dominant component of Aufwuchs communities is made up of algae, particularly green algae and diatoms. The use of fish to treat skin conditions is not recommended by dermatologists. Many states have banned fish SPA treatments due to concern over the risk of infection.