Nail biting is oftentimes a habit that you have learned from a very young age, and NO, it’s not the same as thumb sucking…
Some people associate nail-biting tendencies with stress and anxiety, some lean on the habit as a coping mechanism and others 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”. This 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.”
In research done by the TLC foundation for body-focused repetitive behaviour, it shows that physical side effects of nail-biting can include 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, too.
How to stop biting your nails
According to Healthline, here’s how you can stop yourself from biting your nails:
- 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.
Written by Ashia Nkontsa.
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