Pedicure emergency? Call in the doctor fish

Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press

Tracy Roberts, 33, of Rockville, Md., is among the fans of the doctor fish. She said it was “the best pedicure I ever had.”

Last update: July 21, 2008 - 11:17 PM

Ready for the latest in spa pampering? Prepare to dunk your tootsies in water and let tiny carp nibble away.

Fish pedicures are creating something of a splash in the D.C. area, where a northern Virginia spa has been offering them for the past four months. John Ho, who runs the Yvonne Hair and Nails salon with his wife, Yvonne Le, said 5,000 people have taken the plunge so far.

The fish, called garra rufa but typically known as doctor fish, don't do the job alone. After 15 to 30 minutes in the tank, customers get a standard pedicure, made easier by the soft skin that the toothless fish leave behind.

The fish were first used in Turkey. Ho said he thinks his is the only U.S. salon to offer the treatment, which costs $35 for 15 minutes and $50 for 30 minutes.

There are skeptics, however. Dennis Arnold, a podiatrist, said he doubts it will become widespread. "I think most people would be afraid of it," he said.

Patsy Fisher, 42, of Crofton, Md., admitted she was nervous at first. But her apprehension dissolved into laughter as the fish swarmed to her toes. "It's a little ticklish, actually."

Ho is now evaluating a full-body fish treatment that, among other things, could treat psoriasis. AP

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