Fish pedicure could spread infection and disease, warn experts

Fish pedicure could spread infection and disease, warn experts

London, Feb 28 : The latest beauty craze—fish pedicures—offered in salons and spas across the world have raised serious health concerns.

British experts are worried that the trend that is sweeping the country could spread infection and disease, reports the Daily Mail.

The Health Protection Agency is investigating after the treatment was banned by 14 American states.

The treatment, which costs between 10 and 50 pounds, involves customers dunking their feet in tanks to have their dead skin nibbled away by scores of Turkish miniature toothless carp.

But it has been revealed the pedicures using the garra rufa fish could spread infection from person to person through open wounds.

Salons said they use UV-lit tanks, which are constantly filtered to keep them clear of disease.

But the therapy’s opponents said that unlike usual salon rules, which compel staff to throw away or sanitise tools after each use, the epidermis-eating fish are too expensive to discard.

The agency began investigating after being contacted by environmental health officers.

“The HPA will examine the most up-to-date evidence of any possible risks associated with garra rufa fish pedicures,” said an agency spokesman. (ANI)

Doctor fish

Doctor fish is the name given to two species of fish: Garra rufa and Cyprinion macrostomus. Other nicknames include nibble fish, kangal fish, and doctorfishen; in non-medical contexts, Garra rufa is called the reddish log sucker. They live and breed in the outdoor pools of some Turkish spas, where they feed on the skin of patients with psoriasis. The fish are like combfishes in that they only consume the affected and dead areas of the skin, leaving the healthy skin to grow, with the outdoor location of the treatment bringing beneficial effects. The spas are not meant as a curative treatment option, only as a temporary alleviation of symptoms, and patients usually revisit the spas every few months. Some patients have experienced complete cure of psoriasis after repeated treatments, but due to the unpredictable nature of the disease, which is strongly influenced by endogenous factors, this may simply be regression toward the mean.

Garra rufa occurs in the river basins of the Northern and Central Middle East, mainly in Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran. It is legally protected from commercial exploitation in Turkey due to concerns of overharvesting for export. Garra rufa can be kept in an aquarium at home; while not strictly a "beginner's fish", it is quite hardy. For treatment of skin diseases, aquarium specimens are not well suited as the skin-feeding behavior fully manifests only under conditions where the food supply is somewhat scarce and unpredictable.

Some spas provide large fish ponds with thousands of doctor fish in it

In 2006, doctor fish spa resorts opened in Hakone, Japan, and in Umag, Croatia, where the fish are used to clean the bathers at the spa. There are also spas in resorts in China, Belgium, the Netherlands, South Korea, Singapore, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Slovakia, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, Bucharest, Romania, Barcelona, Spain and France. In 2008, the first widely known doctor fish pedicure service was opened in the United States in Alexandria, Virginia, and later in Woodbridge, Virginia. In 2010 the first UK spa opened in Sheffield.^[3] They are used to help treat patients suffering from various skin disorders, including psoriasis and eczema, since the fish will eat and remove any dead skin.

The practice is banned in several American states and Canadian provinces as cosmetology regulators believe the practice is unsanitary, with the Wall Street Journal claiming that "cosmetology regulations generally mandate that tools need to be discarded or sanitized after each use. But epidermis-eating fish are too expensive to throw away"^[4]. The procedure is legal in Quebec, with a few clinics in Montreal.^[5]

A pedicure, some foot care and everything else in between...

A pedicure, some foot care and everything else in between...

Great, healthy feet are but a pedicure away! Well maybe a few pedicures and some home foot remedies, depending on how bad you’ve neglected them. Yes, I know you’ve neglected them because we all do it! Neglect the very things that have supported us (literally) faithfully all these years. We all can do better. Our feet have been taken for granted – by us.

Have no fear though. Everything you need to know about keeping your feet happy, healthy and handsome is included in this site. All you have to do is the clicking!

Nothing will be spared as we show you correct, inexpensive ways to care for and pamper your feet. We will get right down to the ingredients used in products and show you what to use, when to use it and what to avoid.

Whether you are a diabetic, foot model or just someone tired of being ridiculed about your subpar feet, we most likely have a tidbit or two that can help you out. Learn the tricks and gain the knowledge to give you the confidence to stand on your own two feet and expose them to the world!

So sit back, relax and kick your shoes off, literally, because you’ll need to once we get down the business!

Spa review: Paraffin pedicure & manicure

Spa review: Paraffin pedicure & manicure

When I was asked to choose from the spa menu prior to my appointment, I wanted something light for my body as I had taken a massage the week before. Paraffin interested me because it was different. You can’t miss the recently launched VLCC Skin & Hair Spa located on the main road in the posh South Delhi Safdarjung Enclave. The spa has a very rich, heritage feel which extends to the interiors. I make myself comfortable on a huge suede chair and am soon greeted by the spa manager. As I follow her for a quick chat prior to the session, I can’t help notice the Persian carpets, the aromatic candles, the lovely flowers at the spa.

I am led to the manicure and pedicure room and given a disposable gown and a cotton one to be worn over it. I change into the gowns in the massage room which is dotted with pink orchids. I settle on the massage chair. As the masseur turns on the tap for the pedicure, a jet of cold water rushes to my feet. Someone had mistakenly turned off the geyser. I don’t mind it so much as I am sipping on my white wine and watching a lifestyle channel.

I don’t deny the warm ambience of the room. I am glad there isn’t another client on the next massage chair. The room doesn’t accommodate more than two people at a time which is good because you can enjoy your session in privacy, though I have a lot of staffers strutting in and out.
By the time the water heats up, it starts leaking from the tub on to the floor and wets my shoes. They are put aside and I am shifted to the next chair. Alas! I dip, my feet in warm water.

Another masseur asks if he can begin the manicure. The massage chair is switched on and my back enjoys a lovely massage till the chair stops midway. I am asked if I would like my toe nails cut. Would I like square or an oval shape? Certainly square! The toe nails are filed. I really like the wooden file it’s so comforting unlike the steel ones. I put my feet back in water. The masseur opens two jars of creams and takes out some in tiny glass bowls.

Meanwhile, I am told my finger nails don’t need to be cut and the masseur begins to file them. My preferred shape-square! He brings two bowls of blue lukewarm water and places them on the manicure table. I dip, my hands—I wish the water was warmer. I can feel lovely bath salts at the bottom; they help in cleaning the skin. They are available in the market in lovely colours.

The masseur applies almond based foot cream on my toe nails. It nourishes the skin and has anti-aging properties. After rubbing the cream, he begins to clean the cuticles to remove the dead skin. I always find this part slightly painful. Would I like my cuticles cut? No way... I am told to remove one hand from the water and the masseur applies the cream on my nails and repeats the process on the other. He rubs the disposable wooden stick against a stone to lessen its sharpness and the cuticles hurt lesser. I also feel less ticklish. I put my hands back in water.

The masseurs apply white walnut, sandalwood and sunflower scrub on my feet, legs, hands and arms. The scrub helps in exfoliating dead skin. The scrub is washed off with water and I am given a multivitamin (myrrh and almond) oil massage. You are always advised to moisturise your skin after using a scrub because it dehydrates the skin. The oil is wiped off with a towel.

Now comes, the lovely pink strawberry flavoured paraffin wax. I am asked to dip my hands one by one in the warm wax and quickly remove. I repeat the process thrice for the hands and the feet till the wax forms a thick layer. You are not supposed to move for about 10 minutes as any cracks can make the wax lose its purpose.

“The heat generated from the wax improves the poor blood circulation of the hands and feet. Since the wax is therapeutic it heals cracked and dry heels. The wax is mixed with aroma/essential oils which have hydrating properties. They penetrate the skin and nourish it, apart from giving the wax a lovely fragrance,” informs Dr Shobha Sehgal, head, beauty VLCC.

“The oils have anti-bacterial properties as well and make the wax safe for use for others. If your skin is peeling or you have skin problems, the spa doesn’t recommend the treatment, to avoid contamination of the wax. While the spas use flavoured wax, white paraffin wax is often used for physiotherapy in hospitals. It is also helpful for those suffering from arthritis as the heat warms up the joints.” She adds.

While the wax is warm, my hands and feet feel protected. As it dries, it’s taken off. My hands are left soft and moisturised. The wax seems to have removed the dead skin and lightened the tan on my feet as well.

The spa chooses the wax according to the season. Strawberry has “Vitamin C, anti-aging and hydrating properties. So it’s best suited for winters,” says Sehgal. The spa uses Aloe Vera wax for very dry skin. You can experience “lemon flavoured paraffin wax” at the spa in summers because “lemon has anti-tan properties and a citrusy feel, which is refreshing in summers,” says Sehgal.

Paraffin wax is imported from Italy in the form of a brick and melted in the wax heater at the spa. The treatment is more popular in the West where it gets really cold. It is more expensive as it takes a little longer (10-15 minutes more), and is not available at every spa. VLCC launched it six years back.

As I near the last ritual of the pedicure and manicure, I am asked if I would like my nails painted. The masseurs don’t look too pleased at my nod and inform me that I’ll have to wait for another 15 minutes for the polish to dry. I am told to change into my clothes. I am shown a big tray of nail paints to choose from, I go for plum. The nail polish is well applied with two coats. The masseurs take their leave with a ‘thank you’. The treatment is recommended every 15 days in winters and once in two months (for cracked heels and dry skin) in summers.

How to do pedicure at home

How to do pedicure at home

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RELATED STORIES

• Healthy Pro Pedicure Habits
• Fall in love with pedicures!

Not everyone enjoys the experience of a salon pedicure, even the best. Says Shonali, 'In a salon, getting a pedicure is a fairly mechanical process. It's like a treatment, rather than a relaxing experience.' Here's how to get your feet looking and feeling great in the comfort of your home.

Getting started
Take off your old nailpaint before you start. Keep your foot scrubs and cream, towels, socks and slippers handy. Make sure someone else is at home - nothing ruins a pedicure as does rushing out with dripping feet to answer the doorbell!

Clip, dip, scrub
Always cut and file your nails following the natural line of the nail, taking care not to cut into the nail bed. Pick a dualpurpose nail file - one end of which is designed to gently remove stubborn dirt from the toenails, and the other helps file your nails. Then sit back and dip your feet in warm, soapy water. Read a magazine or listen to some music to enjoy the soothing warmth. 'I have a special hotwater tub for pedicures,' says Shonali. 'I put in a nice bath gel and make lots of bubbles. It's very important for me that the foam should have a lovely fragrance,' she adds.

Get a good-quality foot scrub, pumice stone or foot-file brush to exfoliate the skin - the skin on the feet tends to get rough, so scrub well. Pick a foot-file if you want to control the degree of skin exfoliation - you don't want to scrub your feet raw! Once you have washed your feet and scrubbed away any dry skin and dirt, wipe them dry and tackle those ingrown toenails. (If they hurt you a lot, get them treated without delay.) Specialised products such as the corn-and-callus file and rough-skin-removing creams target common foot problems and are good buys.

Moisturise
This is a crucial stage. Lock in moisture with a good footand-nail cream while your feet are still plumped-out from soaking in water. 'Usually, I take out at least one Sunday in a month for a pedicure. I have a professional masseuse who comes over to give me a full-body massage after my home pedicure.

The advantage is that he knows exactly how much pressure I like for a foot massage. Then, I go out into my balcony and leisurely paint my toenails in my favourite shade. I like to paint my toes myself - it's part of the whole unwinding and de-stressing ritual of the pedicure,' explains Shonali. So, do not just buy top-quality beauty products for your face - your hardworking feet also deserve something special. Give your feet a treat, and see the difference in how you look and feel!

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Can you apply Press-On Nails by yourself?

Can you apply Press-On Nails by yourself?

The answer is yes.
Even if you think that perfect nails can cost you a big fortune, the true is something else.
If you lern to apply press-on nails at home your problem for beautiful nails is no longer a real problem.
To apply press-on nails is simple and with a little bit of practice you can achieve a very polished end result.

If you want to start this procedure you should know that you will need the press-on nails, the cuticle stick, a nail file and some extra glue.

Well, prepare your fingernails for the press-on nails. If your nails are perfect clean is even better, because the nails will stick much better.
Begin by filing down your nails to one length, and remember keeping them on the short side.
You must remove any polish that may be on your fingernails so you will have a clean nail bed. After this, wash and dry your hands to remove any creams or

posible lotions.

When you apply press-on nails, you will need to figure out which fingernail goes on which finger
.That’s simple too , but be prudent.
If you have slender fingernails, you may file down the sides a bit just to make them fit properly and good.

Start to apply the press-on nails.
Place enough glue on the surface of your natural nail to cover the entire surface.
Place the press-on nail firmly over your natural nail, and hold it in place for about a minute or two while the glue sets ok.
If any excess glue comes out on the edges of the nail, promptly remove it with the cuticle stick.

Remeber! Practice makes perfect when you’re trying to learn to apply press-on nails. Good Luck!

The Most Excellent Approach to Nail Pedicure for Soft & Moisturized Nails

The Most Excellent Approach to Nail Pedicure for Soft & Moisturized Nails

September 13th, 2009 · No Comments

When loads of citizens think on the subject of Nail Care, it is fingernails that strike their mind. Nevertheless, in cities like Paris & New York, nail pedicures outrank manicures as the present attractiveness “must-haves.” This piece of writing provides you few important guidelines on Nail Pedicure which will help you have good-looking toes which are soft, moisturized & fully clad with fine stripped, standard red, or some recurring shade of nail paint. You as well, can boast of gorgeous feet - indeed, attractive toenails are simpler to fashion & sustain when compared to good-looking, well-cared-for fingernails. That is for the reason that your toenails need profound consideration merely every two to three weeks, despite the fact that fingernails require a spanking new manicure every 7 to 10 days. Few important guidelines to bear in mind when going for a Nail Pedicure:

Collecting Your Tools

Your nail pedicure accessories ought to consist of nail paint remover & cotton balls; toe & cuticle cream’ a buffer; an orangewood stick, foot pumice, nail mask, nail clippers, a brush & nail antibacterial. Take a basin of lukewarm, foamy water with only some drops of lemon sap & some drops of olive oil to hand. At this moment since you have collected all the pedicure tools together, you can set to work on your toenails.

Preparing your toes

By means of a nail-polish remover & a cotton ball, take out all the traces of previous nail polish. If you have some broad, grooved toenails or hard skin on your toes, make use of a buffer to soothingly soften these. Work tenderly & conservatively. Immerse your feet three to five minutes in a sink of lukewarm, foamy water to facilitate cleaning beneath your nails & to soften your nails & cuticles. Make use of a brush to get out dirt & exfoliate the desiccated skin & dry comprehensively. At this instant it would be an excellent moment to take care of your feet to a temperate exfoliation by means of foot pumice.

Spick and span your nails by means of nail clippers, ensure that you do not clip them excessively short, or curve your nails in at the edges. Apply a skinny coat of base coat on every toenail. Individuals who desire a usual look can stop the pedicure here. You ought to apply nail polish in a similar manner how you applied the base coat. As soon as the nail polish is dry, apply a subsequent coat. Do not touch anything or put on nothing, until your toenails are completely dried up. Following the above steps regularly once in 15 days will soften your nails & make them clean & tidy.

Tags: Pedicure