Isla Bennett
Biting your nails is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population doing it. While it rarely causes long-term damage, it can lead to stomach or intestinal infections if you swallow your nails. Nails are made of keratin, which our bodies cannot digest, so swallowed nails simply pass through. However, they can occasionally get stuck in the appendix, causing a bezoar, which is a clump of hair and other indigestible materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are fingernails made of? | Keratin |
| Are fingernails digestible? | No |
| Can fingernails damage the stomach? | Yes, they can poke holes in the stomach or intestines |
| Can fingernails cause other health issues? | Yes, they can get stuck in the appendix or cause bacterial infections |
| How common is nail-biting? | Up to 30% of the population |
| How to quit nail-biting? | Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), habit-reversal training |
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What You'll Learn
Fingernails are not digestible
Fingernails are composed of a substance called keratin, which is indigestible to humans and most living things. As a result, fingernails that are bitten off and swallowed will simply pass through the digestive system and exit the body without being broken down.
While the body cannot digest fingernails, the act of biting one's nails can have negative health consequences. Nails are a breeding ground for bacteria, including the enterobacteriaceae family, which includes salmonella and E. coli. Biting your nails can introduce these bacteria into your mouth and gut, potentially causing gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain.
In rare cases, biting your nails can even lead to life-threatening situations. For example, in 2014, a 40-year-old man named John Gardener bit his fingernails until they bled and subsequently died from a heart attack due to a septic infection. Additionally, biting the skin around your nails can be dangerous, as in the case of a 28-year-old man from Liverpool who nearly died from sepsis after biting the skin around his nail.
Furthermore, the sharp edges of bitten-off fingernails can, in rare cases, cause the appendix to burst if they end up there. According to medical literature, there have been at least 225 cases of foreign bodies in the appendix, with pins being the most likely to cause symptoms. Therefore, while fingernails are not digestible, it is advisable to avoid biting and swallowing them due to the potential health risks associated with the habit.
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Swallowing nails can cause infection
It is important to note that nails are made of keratin, which is indigestible for humans. Therefore, swallowed nails simply pass through the digestive system. However, there are some associated risks with swallowing nails, one of which is infection.
Firstly, nail biting can introduce harmful bacteria from your hands into your mouth and gut, which can cause gastrointestinal infections. This can also spread to your lips and mouth, as the virus that causes warts is a common infection for nail biters.
Secondly, the sharp edges of nails may, in rare cases, cause the appendix to burst if they end up there. This is because nails are considered foreign bodies, and there are at least 225 cases of such objects being found in the appendix in medical literature.
Thirdly, biting your nails can cause small tears in the skin of your fingers, which may lead to inflammation or infection. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid biting or swallowing nails whenever possible and to seek medical advice if you experience any recurring issues or symptoms.
In summary, while swallowing nails may not directly cause infection, the associated habit of nail biting can introduce bacteria and viruses that lead to infections in different parts of the body. Additionally, there is a small risk of appendicitis if the swallowed nails have sharp edges.
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Nails can get stuck in the appendix
Fingernails are made of keratin, which is indigestible for humans. Therefore, nails simply pass through the gastrointestinal tract. However, in rare cases, nails can get stuck in the appendix, causing appendicitis. This is because the appendix may lack the peristaltic action required to push the nail back into the colon.
There have been at least 225 recorded cases of foreign bodies in the appendix, including a metal drill bit. In one case, a 49-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and underwent an uncomplicated appendectomy. A keratin nail with Actinomyces was identified in her appendix.
Nails, especially those with sharp edges, can cause the appendix to burst, leading to perforation and periappendiceal abscess. Blunt objects can also cause bowel perforations through slow pressure necrosis. Clinical presentation of symptoms can vary from hours to years. Therefore, if you experience intermittent abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical advice to identify and treat the underlying cause.
While it is uncommon for nails to get stuck in the appendix, it is a possibility that should not be overlooked. The potential risks associated with nails in the appendix, such as appendicitis and perforation, reinforce the importance of discouraging nail-biting and swallowing.
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Hydrochloric acid in the stomach can dissolve nails
Human nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is indigestible. Therefore, fingernails that are bitten off and swallowed will not be dissolved by the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. They will simply pass through the digestive system.
However, it is important to note that biting and swallowing nails is not advisable. While rare, there have been cases of swallowed nails causing internal injury or getting stuck in the appendix, which can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
On the other hand, the hydrochloric acid in the stomach is strong enough to dissolve some types of metal, such as common steel and iron. In fact, the acid in our stomachs is so potent that it could dissolve an iron nail. This is because the stomach lining secretes hydrochloric acid, which is essential for the activation of pepsinogen into pepsin, aiding in protein digestion.
Despite the strength of stomach acid, it is unlikely to dissolve all types of metal. For example, while it may be strong enough to dissolve some common steels, it probably cannot dissolve all stainless steels. Additionally, the stomach is lined with a protective mucus layer to prevent self-digestion by the powerful acids produced.
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Nail biting can cause long-term damage
While it is uncommon for nail-biting to cause long-term damage, it can happen, especially if you swallow your nails. Nails are made of keratin, which cannot be digested by humans. Therefore, swallowed nails pass through the digestive system and are excreted. However, in rare cases, nails can get stuck in the appendix, leading to a condition called bezoar, which can cause abdominal pain.
Nail-biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population engaging in it. It often starts in childhood and can be a coping mechanism for emotions like nervousness, boredom, loneliness, or hunger. While it may seem harmless, nail-biting can lead to various short-term and long-term issues.
One of the most common long-term effects of nail-biting is dental problems. Constant nail-biting can weaken teeth, leading to chipped, cracked, or broken teeth and even changes in tooth position. Over time, it can also impact jaw alignment. Additionally, nail-biting can create openings for bacterial and fungal infections, affecting both the nails and the surrounding skin. This can lead to nail infections, skin problems, and conditions like hangnails and ingrown fingernails.
Nail-biting is also associated with emotional and psychological problems. Research indicates that nail-biters may experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, and even shame due to the habit. It can become a vicious cycle, where the act of nail-biting both symbolizes and exacerbates emotional distress. Breaking the habit can be challenging, but awareness and self-reflection are crucial first steps. Identifying triggers and developing alternative coping strategies are essential to successfully quitting nail-biting.
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Frequently asked questions
Fingernails are made of keratin, which is indigestible. Therefore, they will simply pass through your system. However, it is advised not to swallow fingernails as you may be ingesting bacteria that can lead to stomach or intestinal infections.
Swallowing fingernails is not recommended as it may lead to a stomach or intestinal infection. Additionally, if you bite your nails, you may be damaging them and the surrounding skin.
There is a possibility that swallowed fingernails could get stuck in your appendix, causing it to burst. However, this is rare and usually occurs with sharp objects.
Stomach acid is strong enough to dissolve common steel, but it is unlikely to dissolve fingernails. While it may eventually break them down, they are more likely to cause internal injury first.
If you are struggling to stop biting and swallowing your fingernails, you may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These therapies can help address the psychological aspects of nail-biting.
