Visiting a fish spa is a popular activity among tourists in Lin'an Zhejiang but experts said there is danger lurking in the water - transmission of blood diseases.

Availing of a fish spa affords people that warm and comfortable feeling, something that relieves fatigue and takes away the daily stress of work and living.

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It's no surprise, then, that many residents and tourists in Lin'an are lured to visit fish spa, which is already one of the main offerings of most spas in the city.

In a fish spa, customers dip their feet in a mini pool full of small fish. The fish then nibble the dead skin of the feet, making them soft, smooth, and refreshed.

One resident, Mr. Zhang, said he availed of fish spa a few months ago and it felt very comfortable. Another fish spa lover, Miss Zhou, said she likes fish spa because the dead skin on her feet are removed naturally.

"Fish spa is much better than spa in beauty salon," Miss Zhou said, adding that she often visits fish spa with family and friends.

"Everyone likes fish spa, especially the kids," she added.

Spa staff said that the tropical fish used in fish spa are imported from Turkey. They are able to live in the water over 40 °C. They like biting people's dead skin and pore waste. People call the fish "Doctor Fish". Fish spa is a popular beauty and health treatment in Japan and Korea.

Dermatologists, however, said fish spa might cause some health problems.

Fish in spa bite the skin to remove dirt and dead cells, dermatologists Dr. Wang said. The bite could leave a wound which might cause a variety of infections and even lead to blood disease in skin if the fish bite deeply. Experts suggest caution when visiting fish spa.

For instance, fish spa enthusiasts are told not to visit the spa very often and to avoid spending too much time in each visit. Experts said cuticle cannot protect the skin if it is excessively washed.

Carefully check your feet for traces of wound after visiting a fish spa and immediately apply antibiotic ointment when wounds are present, Dr. Wang said.