Trendy fish pedicures could spread HIV and hepatitis C, officials have warned.

People with weak immune systems or underlying medical conditions are at increased risk of infection from the foot spas, experts have warned.

Questions have been raised in recent months over the beauty craze which sees customers place their feet in tanks of water containing dozens of tiny Garra Rufa fish which nibble on dead skin.

However, local beauticians have insisted that residents have nothing to fear and that people can safely book for treatments.

Experts admit that the pampering carries a ‘very low’ risk for healthy clients.

The pedicures – which are popular in Asia – have been banned in some US states, including Florida, Texas, New Hampshire and Washington amid fears that infections could spread through open wounds.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) today issued new guidance. While it advised certain individuals to avoid treatment, it said any risk was ‘very low’ for healthy clients when spas adhered to strict codes of cleanliness.

Dr Hilary Kirkbride, consultant epidemiologist at the HPA, said: “Provided that good standards of hygiene are followed by salons, members of the public are unlikely to get an infection from a fish spa pedicure, however the risk will be higher for certain people.” The claims were recently rubbished by beauticians in Shropshire. Cassie Newton, at the Vanity beauty salon in Castle Gates, Shrewsbury, said: “Our health and hygiene standards are far higher than the minimum that we are expected to follow.

“The water is changed daily and we also do daily water quality and bacteria checks.”

The Utoeopia fish spa, at Nail it with Deb, in Willow Street, Oswestry, also insisted that strict standards were followed.