Onycho (Greek: for finger/toe nail) phagia (Greek: to eat)...put together, onychophagia (or nail biting) literally means "to eat your finger/toe nails".Why do I bite my nails?
There are many explanations, ranging from stress, boredom, low self-esteem or even genetics. However, no one knows for sure why nail biters like to consume their nails.
In medical terms, nail biting belongs to a class of disorder termed as "stereotypic movement disorder" -- a set of repetitive movements that cause physical harm or interfere with normal activities (some scientists see nail biting as a form of self-mutilation).
Freud would see nail biters as someone who has an "oral fixation".
Some scientific researches done on onychophagia show that:
- Kids are most susceptible (admit it, we all bit our nails sometime in the past.)
- Commonly seen in intellectuals
- More common in males
What are the damages from nail biting?
Obviously, ugly ragged nails and sometimes, bleeding cuticles. Also, nail biters expose themselves to all sorts of nail infections. Lastly, the front teeth of nail biters will also be affected due to the constant friction against the hard nail plate.
How do I stop biting my nails?
Two methods: by medication or behavioural therapy.
Medication:
- Certain bitter nail solutions that are painted over nails will deter biters from putting their fingers into their mouth (e.g. Mavala's "Stop", Orly's "No Bite")
- Anti-psychotic medication -- for those who bite due to neurological/ psychological stresses
Behavioural therapy:
- Habit Reversal Training (a 4-step process which seeks to make you recognise the habit, to relax yourself, perform an opposing habit that replaces nail biting with another activity)
- Stimulus control (identification of stressors and controlling these stressors so that the nail biting habit is removed)
- Hypnotherapy
Some tips
- Keep nails short
- Occupy your hands
- See a doctor
- Wait and hope that your efforts will pay off :P
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