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Original poster

Anyone had their feet nibbled by fish?

91 replies

1234ThumbScrew · 02/01/2011 22:42

What was it like?
Can you have it done if you've got a varucca?

I've had a varucca for about seven years, the Dr has says he can't do anything about it until I get rid of the dead skin. I've been trying to for ages, but it's very deep (sorry it's a bit yuk). I'd like to do the fish thing, but wanted to see if others have tried.

OP posts:
DurhamDurham · 04/01/2011 12:03

Well I went yesterday and it was lovely Smile

It did feel v strange when I first put my feet in the tank but fater a minute or so I found it v enjoyable. My 13 year old dd had it too and she loved it, although I think the fish were a bit scared of her as she was moving her feet around alot and thinks she may have stood on one!

Only gripe is that there were so many people having a look that it wasn't very peaceful and relaxing....one man walked up to me and stuck his hand in the tank where my feet were....I told him if he didn't remove it I was going to charge him a £1!!

indiechick · 04/01/2011 12:09

thenightsky - do you just rub the banana skin on them? Or stick it on for a certain length of time? I have two and can't afford the chiropodist.

ivykaty44 · 04/01/2011 12:49

I had it for free in a stream in Thailand and it was tickly as the fish nibbled - they nibbled mossie bites on my legs as I sat and dangled my legs in the waters and it was unexpected.

As for we can't get rid of a verruca until the dead skin has gone Shock I would advise you to see a chiropodist if you can get one to treat verruca's as they can deal with the verruca.

LornMowa · 04/01/2011 12:50

Re: the verruca, I had one for 10 years. I went on a 4 day break at Center Parks and we ate in the restaurants every day, so it was a really relaxing break for me. When we returned I found that the verruca had disappeared. I think there is some link with your state of mind. When you are really relaxed, your body can more easily fight the virus that causes it.

thenightsky · 04/01/2011 12:51

indie re the banana skin thing... I got fresh of the banana skin of an evening and cut into a small square which I taped to DD's verucca overnight every night (fresh square each night. It took a while, but one morning I pulled the square off and the verucca came with it! Fab.

MrsArchchancellorRidcully · 04/01/2011 12:53

I've had it done at the Trafford Centre and it cost £10 for 30mins. Was ace. Felt v strange at first - a bit like mild pins & needles - but the fish don't bite, they only suck the dead skin off and they have no teeth. I'd recommend it - nothing in the literature mentioned verrucas (I think) but give em a call and ask.
they also have one in Chesterl near me.

If you don't fancy it, try a state registered chiropodist. Pricey but they should be able to help.

Tolalola · 04/01/2011 12:58

Nowhere does it around here, but if I ever put my hands or feet in our pond the guppies go mad swarming about and skin-nibbling Grin.

It freaked me out at first, they were like teeny-tiny piranhas. But after a while it becomes peculiarly enjoyable.

LisasCat · 04/01/2011 13:03

Not sure why people are getting grossed out by the idea of sharing water - do you never go to swimming pools or in the sea?

I had this done in Singapore, where several people sit around the same large tank. Not sure if the procedure is the same here, but over there they washed and massaged my feet before I went in, and did the same after. It felt really weird when the fish first started but gradually just felt like an unusual foot massage.

shumway · 04/01/2011 13:09

I had it done at my local shopping centre. It was fun but it didn't make any difference to the dry skin on my feet!

ShoppingDays · 04/01/2011 13:09

Eew, sorry but it sounds revolting. Give me a nice tube of peppermint foot scrub any day!

Blatherskite · 04/01/2011 13:27

I really want this done but nowhere near me does it Sad

MNHQ
JustineMumsnet · 04/01/2011 13:27

Just booked it!

TrillianAstra · 04/01/2011 13:30

If you are in/near London there's a deal to get this done (+ a foot massage) for £10 here.

(that's a link that gives me points, if you hate me and don't want me to get any points then click on this one instead :) )

MNHQ
JustineMumsnet · 04/01/2011 13:31

I did it with your link TrillianAstra Smile.

Curiousmama · 04/01/2011 13:33

DurhamDurham where did you go for it done? I think they do it in Wingate?

Curiousmama · 04/01/2011 13:46

Yes you can get it done in Wingate for £8.

neversaydie · 04/01/2011 13:48

I tried this when I was in China earlier this year - in fact it was one where the fish were all in a sort of jacuzzi (without the pump) and you could get your whole body in. I guess the fact that it was so pool like (and actually next to the swimming pool, in the open air) made the ick factor much less obvious.

I was very dubious about it at first, but must admit that my feet felt smoother afterwards, and I also noticed that the circulation in my legs was much improved after a session.

I looked it up when I got home, and discovered that it is a popular treatment for psoriorsis.

I saw a tank set up when I was in Malaysia in November, and found it much less inviting, though. Pity, because it did feel good.

TrillianAstra · 04/01/2011 13:53

Thanks Justine :)

GodRestYeMerryMummyLin · 04/01/2011 13:57

If anyone would like to travel to Dorset they are welcome to stick their feet in our pond and be nibbled by the Koi !!

peterpansmum · 04/01/2011 14:02

Got a voucher for this for my christmas and can't wait! .... although my dh and many friends are grossed out at the thought of it!

nameymacnamechanger · 04/01/2011 14:02

We have had a few of these places open up in my town in the last month, I'm very tempted as is DS (which I was surprised at as he is autistic with sensory issues - I would have thought he'd be repulsed by the idea if anything!).

Blatherskite · 04/01/2011 14:08

Envy Justine

CheeseChomper · 04/01/2011 15:10

Had this done in Thailand earlier on this year- was grossed out at first but ended up loving it, even though it tickled a bit! Lovely soft feet afterwards Smile

Would def recommend it!

Jux · 04/01/2011 15:12

I once had my knee eaten by a shrimp. Does that count?

BerylStreep · 04/01/2011 15:12

When I was swimming at the Great Barrier reef, fish would come up and nibble mossie bites.

I haven't seen this foot malarky in Northern Ireland.

As for the verruca - a chiropodist will sort this - If I recall, it is about £30 for a session, and they will remove all the dead skin and treat the verruca. If cost is an issue, you could treat the verruca yourself once the dead skin is removed. Regardless of what the policy is in these fish tank places, it's not very public spirited to go with one.

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