Just tested: Dr. Fish

1. Fish that nibble dead skin cells off your feet and hands? In the Garra Rufa spa of the Zwaluwhoeve you can find this so-called Dr. Undergo fish treatments. "An additional effect is that your hands relax in the water, where live fish massage almost gently", according to de Zwaluwhoeve. We are curious!

What is it?

1. At the Zwaluwhoeve, Dr. Fish treatment purely cosmetic, where small fish give a natural manicure or pedicure treatment. In countries such as Turkey, Syria, Iraq and Iran, the Garra Rufa, a fish that can reach a length of about 12 centimeters and is known in the Netherlands under the name nibble fish, has an almost sacred status. Here the Garra Rufa has been used for centuries as a medical treatment method for people who have skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

Safe for health?

1. Recently there was some fuss in the media about the fish pedicure and manicure. According to American health organizations, the fish can spread infections *. Senator Jeffrey Klein therefore wants the beauty treatment to be banned in New York. But how dangerous is Dr. Fish really? Ronald de Pender of Garra Rufa Netherlands: "With proper (water) filtering, effective hygiene measures and the use of original Turkish Kangal Garra Rufa fish, the risk is virtually nil. These fish are carp-like and loosen the dead skin. Asia, however, other Garra species are used or even baby Tilapias, also called Chin Chin. The Chin Chin teething after 3 months and can slightly injure people and thus spread infections. If you use the right fish species, there is nothing to worry about. The Turkish university of Sivas recently even reported in a scientific report that when nibbling the original Garra Rufa fish, an enzyme is released that has a healing effect on the skin. The new skin that emerges is stronger and healthier than before. How is hygiene at the Zwaluwhoeve? Mirande Balk: "We have special filters that continuously purify the water. Our filter system is suitable for a basin of 40,000 liters of water, while our basin is only filled with 3000 liters of water. The water is also tested twice a day for different values. such as pH, nitrate, phosphate and ammonia.The UV lamp that can be seen in our basins (blue light) also kills all bacteria in the water. Before the treatment, guests are also checked for any wounds, fungi and infections. If they have it, the treatment cannot be performed. "

Experience

1. Ilona underwent a manicure for Net Tested and Maaike the pedicure. The Dr. Fish treatments at the Zwaluwhoeve last 15 minutes. However, on the site of Garra Rufa Nederland we read that "a natural peeling of the feet takes 1 hour". Isn't 15 minutes very short? "Not only is it short, the effect is minimal and short-lived," said Ilona. She continues: "I have extremely dry hands and after the treatment they even felt drier. I think because I have been in the water with my hands all this time. I have also regularly undergone a paraffin hand pack or hand mask and that has a lot. more and a more positive effect on my dry hands. I also did not find the treatment relaxing at all and it really didn't feel like a hand massage. It tickled a bit, but that was not a pleasant feeling. " Maaike: "As soon as I put one foot into the basin, all the fish swim towards it. It is a nice and funny feeling when the fish 'nibble' at your feet. For the treatment you have to rest on the hard edge of the pool. This is not really relaxing. Furthermore, a relaxed music would also have been nice. Now you actually feel obliged to talk. Structurally, one Dr. Fish treatment does not offer a solution for dry skin. you should take a course. All in all I think you should go to a beautician or foot care professional. At least then you will really get rid of dry skin and calluses! "

* Update March 3, 2014

1. Research by the RIVM commissioned by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority shows that the fish can transmit skin infections, but the risk is very small. According to the RIVM, the infection risk for healthy people with intact skin is negligible. But people with minor skin defects are at risk for skin infections. People with health problems or a reduced resistance are advised against using the garra-rufa baths. A

2. Research by the RIVM commissioned by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority shows that the fish can transmit skin infections, but the risk is i