How to Stop Biting Nails: Expert Strategies and Solutions
By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024Click to rate this article!
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By Dr. Nayana Shetty +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty
Last updated: Jun 11, 2024Table of Contents
Nail biting is a habit found in people of all ages. It may be a behaviour you’re not aware of, which can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or even genetics. This habit can also lead to health problems and can be quite embarrassing.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the causes of nail biting, the health issues it can cause, and how to break this habit. We’ll also discuss about when to seek professional advice and how to take care of your nails after stopping the habit. We will further address some common questions related to nail biting.
Stress and anxiety can lead to nail biting. For some, it’s a way to cope with stress and feelings of unease, using nail biting to self-soothe or temporarily relieve tension.
People who get bored easily may engage in nail biting as a form of amusement or simply to keep their hands occupied during dull moments.
Nail biting might be linked to mental health issues like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety disorders. In these cases, nail biting might act as a habit, helping individuals manage uncomfortable feelings or thoughts.
Research has shown evidence that suggests a possible genetic link to nail biting. If your family members bite their nails, you are more likely to develop the same habit. This indicates that genetics could play a role in this behaviour.
Lastly, nail biting can be a learned behaviour that was picked up in childhood and carried into adulthood. It becomes routine, and people may not even realise they’re doing it.
Biting your nails leads to skin and nail damage, increasing the risk of infections. It can also change the appearance of your nails over time, leading to discoloured or uneven nails.
Frequent nail biting can lead to dental troubles like tooth erosion, misaligned teeth, and gum irritation. With time, the pressure from biting your nails can weaken your teeth.
Having visibly damaged nails from biting can be embarrassing. It could make you feel self-conscious and impact your self-esteem, affecting your social interactions.
Biting nails can cause skin inflammation and can spread bacteria from your hands to other parts of your body.
Did you know?
Having short nails may make it harder for you to bite them. Keeping neat nails may also boost your self-esteem, encouraging healthier habits.
The frequency of nail trimming varies from person to person, but generally, it’s a good idea to trim your nails every 1-2 weeks.
Getting a professional manicure may aid in discouraging you from biting your nails. Not only do they look better, but you might also feel more motivated to break the habit after paying for the service.
Bitter-tasting nail polish may help deter some from biting their nails. This unpleasant taste can remind you to stop biting. However, some might get used to the taste or find it too harsh.
Fidget toys or sensory items may help keep your hands busy. They may provide a way to release stress and nervous energy, helping break the cycle.
“Chewelry”, or jewellery made for chewing, may serve as an alternative to nail biting. Others might prefer chewing sugar-free gum or munching healthy snacks like carrots or celery sticks.
Identifying what triggers your habit may be helpful. Writing about your experiences and incidents of nail biting can shed some light on this.
Practicing stress and anxiety management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness exercises may help you manage the urge to bite your nails.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an option that helps individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviours. It may help manage nail biting habits by teaching ways to control emotions and actions.
Therapists trained in CBT may help nail biters work through underlying factors contributing to their habit. They teach strategies to manage stress and anxiety, replacing harmful behaviours with healthier alternatives.
If you’re struggling to break the nail-biting habit despite your best efforts, it might be time to seek professional help. Severe nail biting can lead to infections, dental issues, strain on relationships, may be associated with distressing symptoms of mental disorders, and can cause social embarrassment, all of which may necessitate the guidance of a healthcare professional or therapist.
The type of management needed for your nail-biting habit depends on its severity and causes. Management can include individual or group therapy, medication, or a mix. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been found to be beneficial in the management of nail biting, helping individuals address root causes and develop healthier coping strategies.
When you’ve broken the habit of nail biting, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent nail care routine. This includes regular trimming and filing, moisturising your cuticles and hands, and getting professional manicures when needed. Continue with the stress management techniques and strategies that helped you break the habit to reduce relapse.
Being aware of what triggers you to bite your nails is vital to avoid relapse. If you notice any signs of old habits cropping up, pause and assess your situation. Recycle the tactics that helped you in the past and consider seeking more support if required.
Nail biting is a common habit with several causes and impacts on your health. By understanding why you do it, using expert strategies, and consulting professional help when needed, you may kick this habit and enhance your quality of life.
Breaking a habit takes time and patience, and not every method works for everyone. Stay committed to ending your nail-biting habit and continue practicing self-care during this process.
Breaking this habit varies greatly between people. It could take weeks for some or even months based on the causes, the severity, and the methods used.
In certain cases, nail biting could be a sign of underlying stress, anxiety, or mental health disorders. If you think your habit is tied to a more serious issue or if it’s affecting your well-being, seeking a healthcare professional’s advice can be helpful.
Many kids start biting their nails between the ages of 4 and 6 and generally grow out of it. If your teenager continues to bite nails, exploring the reasons and introducing methods to break the habit could be useful.
While occasional nail biting may not lead to lasting harm, severe nail biting over a long time can lead to infections, dental issues, and changes in nails. Addressing the habit early may help minimise the risk of lasting damage.
Replacing nail biting with healthier habits may help in breaking the cycle. Alternatives can include fidget toys, relaxation techniques, or chewing on sugar-free gum or crunchy vegetables.
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