Female Perceptions and Practices Regarding Toenail Bed Care in a Microbially Prone Environment
Keywords:
Beauty care products, Environment, Female, Microbes, ToenailsAbstract
Toenail care is a key fashionista practice among women, as it enhances appearance; however, the toenail bed continues to be damaged by abusive care and microbial invasion. The study therefore set out to evaluate women’s perceptions of toenail care in relation to the soil environment. The study entailed administering a questionnaire to a sample of 100 women and collecting toenail bed samples, swabbed before and after care using a sterile swab stick. The survey report showed that 40% of the participants were identified with nail bed injury; however, 40% also reported no nail bed injury. Results further showed that 50% do not wear covered shoes, while 40% noted they sometimes and often wear artificial nails. Reports also indicated that 70% apply cuticle oil to their nail bed. A mean count of 1.0 × 10^3 and 1.7 × 10^4 CFU/ml was recovered for total heterotrophic bacteria in toenail bed samples obtained before and after care, respectively, while total heterotrophic fungi showed a mean count of 1 × 10^2 and 1 × 10^3 CFU/ml for samples obtained before and after care, respectively. Biochemical and morphological characterisation of the 45 isolates recovered indicated they were: Staphylococcus sp., Mucor sp., Aspergillus sp., and Candida sp. Aspergillus sp. had the highest percentage occurrence. Toenail care encouraged the growth of mostly opportunistic microbes; hence, responsiveness in pedicure habits should be applied.
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