TN Govt hospital offers fish treatment for skin diseases

Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu, Sep 2 (UNI) In a first of sorts, the Siddha Wing of the Government hospital here has introduced ''Fish Treatment'' for skin diseases.

Hospital sources informed UNI here today that similar treatment was available in Iran but introduced for the first time in India.

During the treatment, certain species of fish are allowed to bite the affected portion to cure skin infections.

Initially, fruit jam is applied on the affected portions of the patient's skin suffering from conditions such as psoriasis, ring worm, cellulites, sores and certain types of boils.

The fresh water fish like ''Iyirai'' (loach) or ''Kendai'' will feed on the jam along with the bacteria in the affected portion kept in the water.

With reduction in bacteria, the infection would come down. A Siddha gel and some medicines are also given to the patients to help in faster recovery. The treatment is given on a trial basis twice a week, for ten minutes to the patients.

Skin disorder is common in Palani and its surrounding areas with an average of 30 to 40 patients, coming to the hospital for treatment every week.

The fish treatment has proven to be effective, the sources claimed.

UNI