Efficacy of Intraoperative Surgical Scrubbing in Reducing Bacterial Load After Nail Removal Surgery

The investigators conducted a controlled, prospective randomized study to examine the antiseptic efficacy of intraoperative scrubbing methods during nail avulsion surgery. The investigators compared intraoperative antiseptic scrubbing using 0.9% saline solution and 0.1% polihexanide. Swab samples were taken from each patient at 5 distinct stages throughout the surgical procedure, and bacterial culture analysis was performed (positive culture rate, total inocula count, reduction of bacterial load, and identification of specific microorganisms).

Inclusion criteria

• Older than 18
• Onychocryptosis

Exclusion criteria

• infection
• a history of tinea pedis
• onychomycosis
• paronychia
• nail trauma or subungual hematoma
• nail deformities and disorders
• peripheral vascular disease or diabetes
• cardiac disease
• a history of rheumatic fever
• recent antibiotic use or current antimicrobial therapy
• a history of steroid use and
• recent nail polish use