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The Siddha wing of the government hospital at
Palani, in Tamil Nadu, has introduced on a trial basis ‘fish
treatment’ for various skin ailments.
According to a doctor at the hospital, the
treatment, wherein certain species of fish are allowed to bite
the affected skin, could cure psoriasis, ringworm infections,
cellulitis, sores and even some types of boils.
The patients are asked to apply fruit jam
over the affected portion and keep it immersed in water, into
which fresh water fish, 'Iyirai' (loach) or 'Kendai'
(silverfish), are let into.
The fish will eat the jam along with the
bacteria in the affected portion, said Dr Mahendranat Palani.
With the reduction in bacteria, the infection
would come down. Along with fish treatment, 'Siddha jel' and
medicines are also given.
He said a similar treatment is being given in
Iran.
"It has been introduced for the first time in
India," he added.
The treatment is given on a trial basis twice
a week for 10 minutes to the affected people.
Skin diseases are common in Palani and the
surrounding areas, he said, adding that 30 to 40 people come for
treatment every week and that the results were "positive".
(Agencies)
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