10 tips to stop nail biting (onychophagia)

We explain how to put an end to onychophagia once and for all.

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 is often an indicator of some and is often an indicator of some childhood trauma.

The habit of nail biting, also known as onychophagiahas quite serious repercussions for health, it is not only an aesthetic problem. Fingers and nails harbor a myriad of microorganisms, some of them pathogenic, which in contact with the mouth can cause infection. Moreover, by biting our nails we can damage them irreparably as well as our teeth and gums.

But don't panic, with a little bit of willpower and skill, and with the ten tips explained below you can get back to having perfect and healthy nails..

Why do we bite our nails?

Nails are basically composed 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 and necessary uses. but obviously they have much more everyday and necessary uses in our day-to-day lives..

Causes of onitophagia

Some experts in the field propose that the habit of nail biting may originate during early childhood, babies and young children have the habit of putting their fingers in their mouths. Nail biting is not considered a disease but a psychological pathology, which, if it becomes an irrepressible and compulsive habit, should be treated medically.

The causes of onychophagia can be divided into two groups:

1. external causes

One of the recurrent explanations for onychophagia is anxiety and stress caused by personal, work, economic, sentimental or marital problems, nervousness before exams.... These are usually more benevolent factors, since with willpower and awareness of the problem, it is relatively easy to give up the habit and control it.

2. Internal causes

These are emotional imbalances and alterations of the nervous system produced by traumas. They can be family imbalances, mistreatment, humiliation, low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and the need for self-punishment. The habit is prolonged in time and becomes chronic. Sometimes the behavior is so acute that it can derive in a self-aggressive behavior..

There is a widespread belief that nail biting is a minor problem, since the nails grow back after a short time anyway. But be careful, onychophagia can be worse than commonly thought and can 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 self-confidence..

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

1. Health and aesthetic consequences

Nails contain enormous quantities of germs of all kinds. These, when they come into contact with the mouth, can penetrate into our body and cause some kind of disease..

Lesions on the fingers and fingertips can lead to bacterial or viral infections. In addition, fingers and toes can become deformed, fingers can become deformed and there is a risk of losing the nail permanently.. Other consequences include chronic inflammation of the fingers and the appearance of cavities due to damage to tooth enamel.

2. Emotional consequences

Another kind of negative effects of nail biting are the complex and embarrassment (ultimately leading to anxiety) about the appearance of the hands and 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 nail biter may believe that he or she is rejected by society. Also may present certain d**** difficulties in personal and romantic relationships..

Employment problems: rejection in job interviews for reasons of hygiene or aesthetics depending on the position.

The ten tips you should know not to bite your nails

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

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

1. Be aware of the problem

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

This is to identify the particular moments that lead you to this behavior, for example, when you have to interact socially or prepare for an academic test, the moments before a job interview... Similarly, you should identify what activity or group of them avoid this behavior and keep your hands busy, they must be things that you enjoy, for example playing sports, crafts, playing a musical instrument, writing.... In this way you will mitigate the anxiety and avoid the compulsive behavior of biting your nails.

2. Chew licorice

Having your mouth busy chewing licorice root is a good way to combat the habit of biting your nails.. Do this especially in the moments that make you anxious. Make a habit of carrying this remedy with you at all times. Once you have abandoned the bad habit of onychophagia, you can rest and leave the licorice at home.

3. Chew gum

In the same way, chewing gum is very effective, 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 at the same time that you refresh your breath and exercise your jaw muscles to avoid wrinkles.

4. Use Aloe Vera

There are specific bittering products to avoid this habit, but why spend money when you can have what you need at home?

Aloe Vera has countless health properties, but it certainly doesn't taste very good.but it certainly doesn't taste very good. Cut in half a stalk of Aloe Vera, you will see that it has a transparent content similar to snail slime, leave it in the refrigerator overnight and you will see that this slime has adopted a reddish color due to oxidation, which produces its bitterness. Afterwards, apply it on your nails until it dries. Every time you put your nails in your mouth you will get a very bitter and unpleasant taste that will surely make you want to do it again. In addition, Aloe Vera has Antibacterial and healing properties, so it is ideal to prevent infections due to nail biting wounds and to accelerate the process of nail regeneration.

5. Self-control

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

• Bring a finger towards your mouth, stop when it is five centimeters from your lips. Move it away. Repeat this action several times, decreasing the distance each time.
• Insert your fingernail between your teeth without biting, hold it for a while and pull it out. Repeat this gesture increasing more and more the time. Practice this exercise 5 minutes a day and you will see that it works.

6. False nails

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

7. Band-aids

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

8. Practice a hobby

Keeping yourself busy doing a hobby that you enjoy will keep your nails away from your teeth longer.

Any activity that interests you is appropriate, It is very important that you enjoy 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 if it involves working with materials such as clay to make pottery, as it keeps your hands dirty, likewise painting is also interesting.

9. Wear gloves

If you find that gloves suit you, wear them, especially in winter.. It is an infallible way to avoid biting your nails.

10. Congratulate yourself on your progress

Don't hesitate to celebrate your progress as you go along. You will see how the people around you notice and congratulate you, this will encourage you to continue to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.This will encourage you to continue to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.

In conclusion...

With willpower and the tips you have learned, you will soon have perfect nails. If you see that you are having a lot of trouble kicking the habit, you can turn to a trusted psychologist.

Bibliographical references:

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