How to Put a Stop to Nail Biting

Do you bite your nails? I do and I hate it. I mainly bite mine off when I am bored, although I have noticed I tend to bite them when I am in a stressful situation.

Scientifically known as 'onychophagia' nail biting is done by many, many people for all sorts of reasons. It can be because of stress, boredom, nervousness, comfort, because they are to long or one is chipped. It can also be from anxiety or genetics.

Studies show that nail biting is most common in those between the ages of 10 and 18 with boys being more prone to nail biting than girls. Studies also suggest that children start biting there nails when they are just toddlers. Only 10% of people bite their nails after they have turned thirty.

Nail biting cause's damage to the cuticles and makes your nails look jagged and rough. Not very attractive sounding, is it? Constant nail biting can lead to infections such as nail yeast infections and oral herpes that can start to grow right on your finger. There are also bacterial infections that can lead to gingivitis and for those who work with chemicals, metal, cement and forms of soil, it can be fatal.

Now I know that nail biting is not an easy habit to quit, but it can be done. Not sure how or what to do. Here are a few suggestions to help you in breaking, the nail biting bad habit.

Keeping your nails groomed is a good way to end nail biting. Having shaped, polished nails and nice, soft hands will make you feel better about them. Your nails will be nice and pretty making it to where you want to look at them, not bite them.

To keep your fingers from going to your mouth, keep your hands busy. Apply lotion to your hands, squeeze a stress ball, massage one hand with the other, the possibilities are endless.

Keep a nail file handy so when you break or chip a nail, you can file it properly instead of biting it.

Keep sugar free gum or hard candies like Jolly Ranchers, around. When you start to chew on your nails, or you notice your hand going to your mouth, pop in a piece of gum or candy. Keeping your mouth busy will keep you from biting your nails.

Write down why you want to stop biting your nails and what you do not like about biting them. It can be so you have long beautiful nails instead of short, nasty looking nails or because you want to show off your new ring and not have the attention drawn to ugly fingers. Whatever your motivation, write it down and read it often, once, twice, three times a day, whatever works for you.

There are products that you can pick up at the drug store that help to stop nail biting. They are gross tasting products that you put on your nails, and the taste keeps you from wanting to bite them.

If all else fails there is always the choice of hypnotherapy, to end nail biting.

source:
squidoo.com
ehow.com
onychophagia.com
fun advice.com
stopnailbiting.net