Dr Fish (Garra Rufa Fish), Fish Spa Review

First time dunking my feet in

Would you let a ton a little nibble away at your dead skin? Sounds horrible, but I tried this summer during my trip to Thailand. There are plenty of fish spas in Thailand and they are becoming increasingly popular all over the world.

Before I get to the review, here’s a little info about Garra Rufa fish.

Garra Rufa also named Doctor Fish is a small species of freshwater fish that was originally found in the North and Central Middle East (most commonly, Turkey).

Doctor fish is commonly used for treatment of skin patients with problems such as psoriasis and eczema. What the Doctor Fish does is gentle nibbles and sucks on dead skin leaving soft skin underneath (these fish only nibble on the dead skin). As the fish nibble away at your dead skin it releases an enzyme secretion and Dithranol which helps skin regenerate faster. So basically it’s like a natural exfoliate.

Now for my review

I was very hesitant at first to try the Garra Rufa fish spa treatment. First of all I hate fish and the idea of letting hundreds of fish eat my skin grossed me out. However I kept hearing how nice it makes your skin feel and I was so curious so I decided to give it a go. I chose a nice place in Koh Samui Thailand for my first go, it was a little pricey then the other places but this one seemed very clean and well maintained. I chose the regular foot and leg treatment, you can also do full body if you are game. When I first put my foot in it felt horrible because it was so ticklish. I ended up freaking out and I kept taking my legs out of the water. I then toughened up and kept my legs in the water without moving, I started getting use to the tickly feeling and it didn’t feel so bad after all.

After the 30 minute treatment was over I pulled my legs out and wow, my legs were really smooth. It felt like I had brand new skin. It even got rid of the ashy tone of my skin.  My boyfriend tried it too, he said it got rid of his hobbit feet, so it must be good.

I ended up really liking the treatment so when I was in Phuket I tried it again!!

Fish spa in Phuket

I give the Garra Rufa/ Dr Fish Spa a 4.5 out of 5

It lost the 0.5 because it’s kinda creepy to put your legs in water and also the hygienic factor. You need to make sure that you use a fish spa that does not let people with skin conditions use the same spa as which you are using. Most decent places has a separate spa for those with conditions such as  psoriasis and eczema to use. You don’t want to end up catch anything!! Also beware of imposter Garra Rufa fish. Garra Rufa fish have a distinct dot on the gill area, a black mark on its tail and its pigmentation is smooth.

So would you let your skin be eaten by these crazy creatures >.<

*Note: You can find Dr Fish all over Asia and they do have it in some states of the USA however it is difficult to find them in Australia as it is illegal to import them here.