title: Effects of nail polish on microbial growth of fingernails. Dispelling sacred cows.
abstract: Nail polish worn on short, healthy nails does not appear to be associated with increased microbial counts on the fingernails. Additional studies to examine the effect of wearing nail polish on other aspects of hand hygiene may be warranted, however.
authors.affiliation: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore.
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Baumgardner
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Maragos
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Walz
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Larson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development*; D003358:Cosmetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009262:Nails / Q000382:microbiology*; D013234:Stem Cells
chemical_list: D003358:Cosmetics