Nail biting can sometimes be a habit that you have learnt from a very young age and NO it’s not the same as thumb sucking.
Some people associate nail biting behavior with stress and anxiety, other people do it as a coping mechanism and some people say it helps to regulate their emotions.
According to Psychology Today nail biting is considered a cosmetic concern, however, it can also become a long term problem which is referred to as, “Onychophagia, or Onychophagy. It is considered a pathological oral habit and grooming disorder characterized by chronic, seemingly uncontrollable nail-biting that is destructive to fingernails and the surrounding tissue.”
On a research done by the TLC foundation for body focus repetitive behavior, the research shows that there are physical side effects of nail-biting including damaged or disfigured nails and skin, skin infections, fungal infections, and mouth pain or tooth damage. Individuals who swallow the bitten nails may be at risk for stomach or intestinal infections as well.
How to stop biting your nails according to Healthline
- It’s a habit and it takes time to break free from a habit, be patient and open to the change.
- Keep your nails short and use a bitter manicure or nail polish.
- Know what triggers you to bite your nails, and start seeking help or addressing the concerns.
- Find something else to help you fidget, to replace your habit.
- Make a gradual change, for example, pick fingers that you cannot bite taking it day by day until you’re left with one on each hand and you stop completely when you see it’s no longer a habit.
Also see: Exercises and fidget toys that help reduce stress and anxiety
