We are saved. The Florida Board of Cosmetology has ruled against allowing flesh-sucking fish to eat away the dead skin and calluses from our heels and toes. This practice does occur in salons in other cities and countries, originating in Asia. The doctor fish, or garra rufa, feeds on decaying skin. The fish thrive in warm water and don’t have teeth. What better way to get rid of your old skin cells then by this inch long fish? Better make sure your nail tech disinfects that tub between each use! Besides the risk of infections, now we have to worry about little fishies taking a nip out of our foot?

In some spas, the garra rufa swim the waters and "kiss" your skin to rid it of unwanted flesh. Think of the beautification possibilities! Think of the little suckers swarming over your body. For psoriasis patients, this treatment may offer temporary relief. But do you really want to stick your feet into a tub of fish?  I suppose we do the same thing when we swim in the ocean. But those fish don't look to us for food, except for sharks. I have enough trouble letting someone work on my feet. Adding fish to the mix...not for me, thanks.

At least in Florida, we can avoid the peril...er, beauty treatment...of the fish pedicure. Here are some links if you want to read more about it:

http://www.spa-fish.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_fish