Spoilage Fungi Associated with Selected Body Lotions Commonly Used amongst Students of the University of Port Harcourt

Abstract

Body Lotions which are intended to beautify and protect the skin are often prone to fungal contaminations either in the course of their preparation, transportation and/or accidentally, during use by the consumers which may lead to their spoilage. The purpose of the study was to investigate the spoilage fungi associated with selected body lotions commonly used amongst students of the University of Port Harcourt. Five used and unused lotions were obtained from students within the University and purchased from cosmetics shops. The Influence of the body lotion on the fungal composition of the skin was determined from skin swabs collected before and after use of the lotion from 25 different study subjects for a period of 10 consecutive days. Fungal counts were determined using the spread plate method. Fungal count of skin swabs ranged from 2.0 ± 1.1 to 192.0 ± 1.1 and from 12.0 ± 1.1 to 209.0 ± 1.1 respectively. Fungal counts of used lotion samples ranged from 4.83 to 5.75 log sfu/ml and unused from 0 to 3.77 log sfu/ml respectively. Fungal genera isolated include: Fusarium, Penicillium, Candida and Aspergillus. The study also showed incomplete label disclosure. The study revealed the presence of fungi of public health significant in both used and unused lotion samples. Hence the need to adopt and maintain strict hygiene practices at the manufacturing and consumer stage.