10 tricks to stop nail biting (onychophagia)

There is often a belief that nail biting is merely associated with the nerves of the moment or simply a bad habit. However, this terrible habit may be due to deeper psychological reasons and it is often an indicator of some childhood trauma.

The habit of biting your nails, also known as onychophagiaIt has quite serious repercussions for health, it is not only an aesthetic problem. In the fingers and nails we harbor a myriad of microorganisms, some of them pathogens, which in contact with the mouth can cause an infection. What's more, biting your nails can damage them irreparably as well as damage our teeth and gums.

But don't panic, with a little will and skill and With the ten tips that we explain below you will be able to wear perfect and healthy nails again.

Why do we bite our nails?

Nails are basically made up of dead cells coated with keratin and are essential for many functions in humans. We even use them to play musical instruments, but obviously They have much more everyday uses and are necessary for our day to day.

Causes of onithophagia

Some experts in the field propose that the habit of biting nails can originate during the In earliest infancy, infants and young children have a habit of holding their fingers to the mouth. Nail biting is not considered a disease but rather a psychological pathology, which, if it becomes an irrepressible and compulsive habit, must be treated medically.

The causes of onychophagia can be divided into two groups:

1. External causes

One of the recurring explanations for onychophagia is the anxiety and the stress produced by personal, work, economic, sentimental or marital problems, nervousness about exams... They are usually more benevolent factors, since with willpower and becoming aware of the problem, it is relatively easy to abandon the habit and control it.

2. Internal causes

Is about emotional maladjustments and alterations of the nervous system produced by trauma. They can be family maladjustments, mistreatment, humiliations, low selfsteem, feeling of guilt and need for self-punishment. The habit is prolonged in time and becomes chronic, sometimes the behavior is so acute that it can lead to self-aggressive behavior.

There is a widespread belief that biting nails is a mild problem, since they grow back after a short time anyway. But beware! onychophagia may be worse than commonly thought and cause permanent damage.

Consequences and effects of nail biting

The hands provide us with a multitude of information about the person, they are a reflection of health and safety in itself.

Well-groomed hands make a good impression on others. That is, nail biting has health, emotional-psychological, aesthetic and social connotations.

1. Consequences on health and aesthetics

Huge amounts of germs of all kinds are found on the nails. These, when coming into contact with the mouth, can penetrate our body and cause some kind of disease.

Injuries to the fingers and fingertips can lead to bacterial or viral infections. What's more, fingers can become deformedand there is a risk of losing the nail permanently. Among other consequences, there is also chronic inflammation of the fingers and the appearance of cavities due to the damage caused to the enamel of the teeth.

2. Emotional consequences

Another class of negative effects of nail biting is the complex and shame (ultimately causing anxiety) about the appearance of the hands and that it can interfere with interpersonal relationships.

This point is also related to a low level of self-esteem, feelings of sadness and inability to control compulsive behaviors.

3. Social consequences

The person who bites their nails may believe that they are rejected by society. Also may present certain difficulties in personal and romantic relationships.

Labor problems: rejection in Job interviews for hygienic or aesthetic reasons depending on the position.

The ten tips you should know to avoid biting your nails

As you can see, quitting this unhealthy habit can have countless benefits both for your health, as well as on a psychological, emotional and social level.

Then we will explain Ten great tips to stop you from biting your nails. They are very easy tricks that do not require special products, you simply have to want it and put your will.

1. Be aware of the problem

The first thing you should do is detect which are the situations that cause you stress or insecurity and that activate the habit of biting you, palpate or scratch the nails and that leads directly to put them in the mouth.

This is identifying the particular moments that lead to this behavior, for example, by having to interact socially or prepare for an academic test, the moments before an interview of job... In the same way, you must identify which activity or group of them avoid this behavior and keep your hands busy, they must be things that are to your liking, for example do sport, crafts, playing a musical instrument, to write... In this way, you will mitigate anxiety and avoid the compulsive behavior of biting your nails.

2. Chew licorice

Keeping your mouth busy chewing licorice root is a good way to combat the habit of biting your nails.. Do this especially in times of anxiety. It is customary to carry this remedy always with you. Once you have broken the bad habit of onychophagia, you can rest and leave the licorice at home.

3. Chew gum

The same way, chewing gum every time you feel the need to put your fingers in your mouth is very effective. This way you will avoid biting your nails while refreshing your breath and exercising your jaw muscles avoiding wrinkles.

4. Use Aloe Vera

There are specific bitter products to avoid this habit, however why are you going to spend money being able to have what you need at home?

Aloe Vera has innumerable health properties, but it certainly doesn't taste very good. Cut a leaf of Aloe Vera in half, you will see that it has a transparent content similar to snail slime, leave it in the fridge one night and you will see that this slime has adopted a color like reddish due to oxidation, which produces its bitterness. Afterwards, apply it on the nails until it dries. Every time you put your nails in your mouth, a very bitter and unpleasant taste will come over you that will surely make you want to do it again. In addition, Aloe Vera has antibacterial and healing properties, making it ideal to avoid infections due to injuries from biting your nails and to accelerate the process of regeneration of these.

5. Self-control

With this exercise of self control you will be able to control the urge to bite your nails:

• Bring a finger to your mouth, stop when it is two inches from your lips. Put it away. Repeat this action several times, decreasing the distance more and more.
• Insert the nail between the teeth without actually biting, hold for a little time, pull it out. Repeat this gesture, increasing the time. Practice this exercise 5 minutes a day and you will see that it works.

6. Artificial nails

Maybe this is the most expensive solution of all but it is worth it, it is about cover your nails with other synthetic ones such as acrylics. It will prevent you from damaging your own nails while allowing them to grow.

7. Plasters

Put plasters on your nails for a month, replacing them from time to time. This consists in that you can admire how they grow healthy and shiny after a while, without biting them.

8. Practice a hobby

Staying busy with a hobby or hobby that you enjoy will keep your nails from your teeth longer.

Any activity of your interest is appropriate, it is very important that you like it as this will dissipate your desire to put your nails in your mouth. Crafts are highly recommended because they keep your hands busy, especially when it comes to working with materials such as clay to make ceramics, since it keeps your hands dirty, in the same way the painting.

9. Wear gloves

If you find the gloves fit you, wear them, especially in winter. It's a surefire way to avoid biting your nails.

10. Congratulate yourself on your progress

Feel free to celebrate your progress as you progress. You will see how the people around you tell and congratulate youThis will encourage you to continue keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.

In conclusion...

With the strength of your will and the tips you've learned, you're sure to have perfect nails soon. If you see that you have a lot of problems quitting the habit, you can go to a trusted psychologist.

Bibliographic references:

• Baeza, J.C.; Balaguer, G. and others (2008). Hygiene and prevention of anxiety. Madrid. Editorial Díaz de Santos.
• Burns, D. (2011). Feel good. A therapy against depression. Editorial Paidós
• Fioenza, A. (2007). 99 strategies to overcome fear, anxiety and phobias. Barcelona. RBA Editores.