The latest pampering craze, the fish-pedicure, which involves little creatures nibbling the dead skin off your feet, may actually bring more harm than good. Researchers from the UK are now warning against this beauty procedure from these so-called "doctor fish", following concerns that it may spread diseases from one to another through open wounds.

Doctor fish, which nibble away on dead skin, have become increasingly popular in recent years.

In Taiwan, they are often found in hot spring pools.

Recent studies have shown that the fish feed not only on dead skin, but bacteria as well.

Bacteria that end up on the mouths of the fish don't affect the fish in any way, but could be transmitted to other people with open wounds on their feet.

Doctor fish can transmit any number of dermatological conditions ranging from athlete's foot and hair follicle infections to cellulitis.

Experts are urging those with open wounds on their feet to stay away from hot spring pools, and liken soaking one's feet in fish pedicure pools to suffering an animal bite.

Calluses and dead skin soften when they come into contact with hot water, and high temperatures make it easier for bacteria to infect the body.

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