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Case Reports
. 2021 Aug;7(5):393-396.
doi: 10.1159/000514853. Epub 2021 Apr 13.

Periungual Mycobacterium marinum Infection following a Fish Manicure

Olivier Vanhooteghem  1 , Ivan Theate  2 , Viriginie De Schaetzen  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Periungual Mycobacterium marinum Infection following a Fish Manicure

Olivier Vanhooteghem et al. Skin Appendage Disord. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Fish pedicures and/or fish manicures are treatments performed in spas involving the use of the living fish Garra rufa. In the last decade, the use of G. rufa for cosmetic and therapeutic reasons has become increasingly popular. The patients are placed into a bath to control psoriasis, eczema, or other skin conditions, but there is no scientific proof of their effectiveness. Most of the infections described in association with fish spas result from minor skin injury and contact with fish carrying such bacteria as Staphylococcus aureus, Aeromonas sobria, and Mycobacterium marinum. Therefore, fish spas in general should not be recommended, particularly for diabetic patients, immunocompromised patients, or patients treated with biological agents.

Keywords: Aquarium granuloma; Fish manicure; Fish pedicure; Fish spas; Fish tank granuloma; Garra rufa; Infection; Mycobacteriosis; Psoriasis; Swimming pool granuloma.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors certified that they have no conflicts of interest, including specific financial interests and relationships and affiliations relevant to the subject of this manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Hardened and rough-brownish erythematous periungual plaque of the left thumb − face view.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Lateral view of the left thumb.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Inflammation in the deep part of the dermis (HE. ×50).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Non-necrotizing granuloma, constituted by sheets of epithelioid histiocytes (HE. ×200).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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References

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