If you have ever been lucky enough to travel to beautiful Thailand, then you will know exactly what I’m talking about when I say the words “Fish Spa!” However if you have not had the opportunity yet, this pedicure may sound new and unusual to you. For what it’s worth, if you have not traveled to Thailand, I highly recommend it!
Picture yourself walking down the busy market streets in Thailand and to your amazement you see a sign that reads “Fish Spa.” You may think, they have a place in Thailand for fish to get pampered? Contrary to what you may think, many spas in Thailand have these fish spas for locals and visitors alike. These fish, also known as Doctor Fish, swarm your feet to eat the dead skin off of them. Don’t worry, they aren’t biting your feet, rather sucking up the dead skin particles. Other than improving the appearance of dry skin on the bottom of your feet, these fish have also been shown to help improve skin symptoms associated with psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a genetic disease that affects not just the skin, but your fingernails and toenails. Skin manifestations associated with psoriasis include thickened areas of dry skin (aka psoriasis plaques), itching, and thickening or discoloration of the nails. Severe cases of psoriasis can also affect your joints (Psoriatic Arthritis) causing swelling and stiffness in your fingers and toes. Treatment for psoriasis currently includes oral medications such as steroids and immunosuppressive medications; topical medications such as steroids and urea based creams; and phototherapy, use of UV light to reduce plaques associated with psoriasis. If you or a loved one has skin manifestations and are unsure if it may be psoriasis, stop by Healthy Feet Podiatry! We may not have a fish spa like they do in Thailand, but we can help diagnose and direct you towards the best treatment that will help if you are suffering from psoriasis.