Breaking the Nail-Biting Habit

It is likely that you picked up the habit of biting your nails during childhood if you do so occasionally. This habit is quite common among children and adolescents aged between 10 and 18, with almost half of them engaging in it. While the percentage drops as people age, there are still individuals who struggle to quit this habit even past the age of 30. American researchers have found that up to 30% of American adults continue to engage in this habit, which is not pleasant for others and can be detrimental to one’s health. Although some cases of nail biting, known as onychophagia in medical terms, may require medical attention, most cases can be resolved with self-discipline.

What makes people bite their nails?

This habit is not a new phenomenon, as it has been observed since ancient times. For example, Cleanthes, an early Stoic philosopher from Ancient Greece, was noted to have chewed his nails, suggesting that the habit was seen as noteworthy even then. In the 20th century, nail biting was often attributed to an “oral fixation” and linked to early experiences with one’s mother, particularly in the first few months of life, as explained by Freud’s theories. Some limited research supported this hypothesis. However, over time, alternative explanations have also emerged.

Genetics

Observations suggest: children whose parents bite their nails are very likely to do so too, even if their parents no longer have such a habit when they are born. Researches have even found advantages to a behavior that is usually condemned: children who bite their nails are less prone to allergic reactions – apparently because they receive microdoses of pathogens and allergens from their hands and under their nails.

Behavior disorders

Abnormal nail biting is categorized as a “body-focused repetitive disorder” in medical manuals, and individuals with this condition may also exhibit behaviors such as biting their lips or chewing on their cheeks. These actions are not driven by obsessive concerns about appearance, but instead are typically preceded by feelings of tension or anxiety, which the behaviors are thought to alleviate. This relief is often followed by a sense of satisfaction.

Emotional regulation

There is also a positive theory about nail biting, suggesting that it can provide temporary distraction, relaxation, and pleasure for the person engaging in the behavior. In a study conducted by Sarah Roberts and colleagues at the University of Quebec in Montreal, individuals with onychophagia, trichotillomania, or other body-focused behaviors were exposed to different scenarios designed to induce frustration, boredom, anxiety, or relaxation. While these situations were artificially created, the researchers found that individuals had a stronger urge to engage in skin or nail-related behaviors when they were stressed or bored compared to when they were relaxed. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have examined nail biting and hair pulling, indicating that these behaviors serve as a form of emotional regulation.

Perfectionism

Nail biting may be more likely to develop in individuals with a particular personality trait. It is possible that the act of biting off a nail that is perceived as “wrong” provides a sense of satisfaction in correcting an imperfection, leading to an eventual preoccupation with this behavior.

Simplest solution

Another explanation for nail biting that does not involve genetics or oral fixation is a more mundane one. It is possible that individuals develop this habit simply because they have nails to bite. Psychologists note that it is possible to become psychologically addicted to almost any activity that provides even a small reward over time. Since our hands are always accessible, biting off a piece of a fingernail can be an enjoyable and easily accessible habit that can gradually become more entrenched over time.

What is the harm?

The act of biting off nails usually does not result in permanent damage. Nevertheless, there are cases in which a complex medical intervetnion is needed, for example, if the nail bed is damaged. In the most severe cases, a person may lose a nail.

It’s important to note that touching your mouth with your hands can increase the risk of contracting illnesses like Coronavirus, the flu, or a cold. Viral particles from surfaces and hands can easily travel to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, where they can multiply.

Nails can also harbor bacteria, including dangerous strains like salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal problems when they are introduced to the mouth. There have been cases where individuals have developed appendicitis due to bacteria from under their nails. A study conducted in 2007 by the Faculty of Dentistry at Ataturk University in Erzurum, Turkey, found that 76% of people who bite their nails have dangerous bacteria like E. coli in their saliva, compared to just 26.5% of those who do not bite their nails.

Additionally, nail biting can lead to infections around the nails if skin is torn off along with a piece of the nail. It can also cause damage to teeth and gums, as well as bad breath.

How to stop?

There are two categories of tips for stopping nail biting: physical and psychological. Physical tips involve direct nail care, while psychological tips address habits and emotions.

According to the American Dermatological Association, it is recommended that you keep your nails short to reduce the likelihood of biting them. Additionally, using a bitter nail polish, which is a colorless and harmless but unpleasant-tasting substance, can help prevent nail biting. However, this method is not recommended for children.

Psychological treatments for nail biting involve identifying triggers such as boredom, stress, or anxiety. By paying attention to the environment or situation in which you bite your nails, you can better understand what triggers this behavior. Experts recommend keeping a record of triggers and circumstances for a few days.

To replace the habit of nail biting, you can try folding your hands with your fingers crossed or holding both thumbs and forefingers together for a minute when you feel triggered. Additionally, using stress-relieving objects such as a ball can help. If you feel overwhelmed, try moving to another room to change your environment.

If your child bites their nails, a competing action can be used to break the habit. For example, instead of bringing their hand to their mouth, they can straighten their hand and place it on their thigh with a clenched fist. Punishment and ridicule are not recommended as a way to address nail biting.

Nail care is a simple but essential procedure. These are the dermatological guidelines:

• After you take a bath or shower, it is best to trim your nails.
• Remember to sanitize your tools once a month. Alcohol can be used for this.
• If you are trimming your nails, cut them almost straight. You should round the corners of your nails with a nail file to keep them strong and prevent them from snagging on clothing.

• Don’t touch the cuticle. In order to protect the nail, it is important not to cut the cuticle or push it back. Whenever you trim your cuticles, bacteria and other germs can more easily enter your body and cause infection.
• It is important to moisturize your nails after clipping to keep them flexible. This is crucial when the air is dry, because dry nails will break more easily.