Caleb Foster
Nail biting is a common habit that many people struggle to quit. It can be challenging to break the cycle of nail biting, but with dedication and patience, it is possible to grow out your nails and restore the health of your nail beds. The time it takes for bitten nails to grow back depends on various factors, including individual nail growth rates and the severity of the biting habit. In this topic, we will explore the journey of growing out bitten nails, from the initial stages of quitting the habit to the gradual regeneration of nail beds and the achievement of healthier, longer nails. We will also discuss helpful strategies and personal experiences shared by those who have successfully overcome nail biting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to grow back nails after biting | Within days, up to a year or more |
| Visible results | Within days |
| Nail bed growth | May appear longer due to longer nails, but may take 60 days or 18 months to recover |
| Cuticles | Should be moisturized and pushed back, trimmed cuticles make the nail appear longer |
| Filing | Should be done once a week, but not too much |
| Buffing | Gets rid of ridges and smooths out the nail, should be done once a month |
| Moisturizing | Should be done as often as desired |
| Nail hardener | Should be applied in two coats |
| Opaque nail polish | Can be used to cover bitten nails |
| Fake nails | Can cause nails to become weak, wavy, and difficult to grow |
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What You'll Learn
Nail biting can cause irreversible damage to the nail bed
While nail biting is a common habit, it can have negative consequences for your nails, teeth, and health. Chronic nail biting can cause irreversible damage to the nail bed, which may lead to your nails growing back in a different shape.
The nail bed is the pink-coloured tissue that contains blood vessels and nerves. It lies just beneath the U-shaped cuticles and supports nail growth. When you bite your nails, you expose the nail bed, which then keratinizes and no longer adheres to the nail plate. This can result in the irreversible shortening of the nail plate as new nails grow in. Additionally, the exposed nail bed is more susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, which can lead to issues such as warts and gum inflammation.
To prevent irreversible damage to the nail bed, it is crucial to break the nail-biting habit. This can be challenging, as nail biting often serves as a coping mechanism for emotions like nervousness, boredom, or loneliness. However, there are strategies to help you stop. Keeping your nails trimmed and maintaining nail hygiene can reduce the temptation to bite and lower the risk of infection. Applying bitter-tasting nail polish can also deter nail biting. For some, investing in a professional manicure provides an incentive to avoid biting their nails.
If you struggle to quit on your own, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help address the psychological aspects of nail biting. These therapies can be combined with habit-reversal training to effectively break the habit. By seeking professional help and adopting healthier coping strategies, you can improve your chances of success in quitting nail biting and preventing long-term damage to your nail beds.
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Potential health complications from nail biting
Nail biting, or onychophagia, is a common habit, with up to 30% of the population biting their nails. While it may seem harmless, it can have negative consequences for your health. Here are some potential health complications that can arise from nail-biting:
Infection
Putting your fingers in your mouth regularly can spread germs and bacteria, leading to oral, intestinal, or stomach infections. Biting the nails can also cause inflammation and peeling of the skin around the nail bed, leaving one vulnerable to infections.
Dental Issues
Nail biting can cause dental problems such as misalignment, chipped teeth, and gingivitis. It can also weaken teeth, potentially leading to tooth damage.
Digestive Problems
By biting your nails, you may ingest harmful substances like dirt and bacteria, which can cause digestive issues and severe stomach problems.
Mental Health Issues
Nail biting is often associated with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, and depression. It can become a coping mechanism in response to negative emotions, and the unsightly appearance of bitten nails may lead to embarrassment, shame, and lowered self-esteem, causing an emotional burden.
Other Physical Complications
Compulsive nail biting can cause nail dystrophy, progressive nail shortening, nail bed degeneration, and ingrown nails. It can also lead to skin picking and hair-pulling behaviours.
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Strategies to stop biting your nails
It can take at least three weeks to make or break a habit, such as nail biting. Here are some strategies to help you stop biting your nails:
Identify your triggers
Firstly, it is important to identify what causes you to bite your nails. Nail biting is often a way to cope with feelings of boredom, stress, anxiety, or insecurity. It can also be triggered by physical factors, such as the presence of hangnails. Once you know your triggers, you can find alternative ways to deal with these feelings or situations.
Keep your hands and mouth busy
When you feel the urge to bite your nails, try playing with a stress ball, worry stone, fidget toy, or pen instead. This will keep your hands occupied and away from your mouth. You can also try chewing gum to give your mouth something else to focus on.
Take a gradual approach
Rather than going cold turkey, you can try to gradually stop nail biting. Start by choosing one nail, such as your thumb, and commit to not biting it for a week. Once you've successfully broken the habit for that nail, move on to another one. Eventually, you'll reach a point where you no longer bite any of your nails.
Keep your nails trimmed and maintained
Dermatologists recommend keeping your nails trimmed short, as having less nail makes it less tempting to bite. You can also file your nails instead of cutting them, as this is generally better for nail health. Maintaining healthy and strong nails may make you less likely to bite them. Applying cuticle oil, lotion, or balm can help with this, and you can also try giving yourself regular manicures or painting your nails.
Make your nails taste bad
You can apply bitter-tasting nail polish to your nails, which will discourage you from putting your fingers in your mouth.
Cover your nails
You can cover your nails with tape or wear gloves to create a physical barrier that prevents nail biting. Alternatively, getting a manicure or painting your nails might make you less likely to bite them because you won't want to ruin how they look.
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How to strengthen nails while they grow
It can take a long time for bitten nails to grow, and it may be frustrating to see little progress. However, there are several ways to strengthen your nails while they grow, promoting healthy growth and reducing breakage. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to stronger, healthier nails:
Moisturise and nourish
Nails can become weak and brittle due to a lack of moisture. Applying a good cuticle and nail oil at least once a day can help nourish your nails and prevent peeling. Oils such as jojoba oil, emu oil, and almond oil are excellent choices for moisturising and strengthening your nails. Cuticle oils can penetrate the nail plate and help keep the layers of keratin bonded together. Make sure to moisturise your nails after washing your hands or applying nail polish.
Take care when filing
When shaping your nails, it is recommended to file them in one direction instead of using a back-and-forth motion. Filing your nails too much or in the wrong direction can weaken them and make them more prone to breakage. Glass files are a good option for maintaining the length of your nails. Keep your nails on the shorter side to prevent breakage and tearing.
Avoid using nails as tools
Using your nails as tools can lead to chipping and breakage. Instead, use the pads of your fingers or other objects to open cans or reach into small spaces. This will help keep your nails strong and prevent weakening.
Diet and supplements
A nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein can help strengthen your nails. Additionally, consider taking a biotin supplement, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, as it is not stored by the body and needs to be consumed daily. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplements or making significant dietary changes, especially if you have specific medical conditions or take medications.
Choose nail products carefully
Some nail products, such as gel polish, require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, which has been identified as a risk factor for skin cancer. Frequent use of nail polishes that strip oils can also cause your nails to become weak and brittle. Give your nails a break between applications and allow them to breathe. If you notice any adverse reactions to nail products, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or skincare professional.
Remember, it takes time and patience to grow and strengthen bitten nails. Incorporate these tips into your nail care routine, and you'll be on your way to achieving the strong and healthy nails you desire.
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Factors that affect nail growth
The standard rate of growth of a normal fingernail is between 0.5 and 1.2 mm per week, or about 0.1 mm per day. However, several factors can influence the rate of nail growth.
Age
Nail growth tends to slow down as people get older. For example, a 2007 study found that a person's thumbnail growth rate decreased from 0.123 mm per day at age 23 to 0.095 mm per day at age 67. This change in speed may be attributed to the slowing of blood circulation with age.
Gender
Generally, men's nails tend to grow faster than women's.
Hand and Finger
The nails on the dominant hand tend to grow faster. Additionally, the nails on longer fingers, such as the middle finger, also tend to grow quicker. On the other hand, the little finger's nails grow slower than the other fingers.
Season
Nails grow faster during the summer. They also tend to grow quicker in hotter environments, resulting in varying growth rates throughout the year.
Hormones
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to rapid nail growth. In contrast, during lactation, the rate of nail growth decreases. Outside of pregnancy, puberty is a significant period for hormonal fluctuations, with nail growth peaking during this time and gradually declining as hormone levels stabilize.
Health and Diet
Overall health and diet can impact nail growth. Maintaining a healthy diet can promote stronger and quicker nail growth. Certain illnesses may slow down the process as the body focuses on recovery and fighting the illness. Additionally, nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions can also affect nail growth.
Medication
Medication can influence nail growth, making it faster or slower, and potentially impacting nail strength.
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Frequently asked questions
Bitten nails can show quick results within days, and improvements will be noticeable in a short time. However, it can take a year or more to achieve normal-length nails.
It is recommended to moisturize nails and cuticles, use nail hardener, and apply cuticle oil. Keeping nails filed and short can also help prevent biting.
Nail biting is often caused by anxiety or stress. Recognizing when and why you bite your nails can help you address the habit.
Yes, nail biting can weaken teeth and damage them over time. It can also weaken nails, making them more prone to bending and breaking.
Yes, some successful methods include using opaque nail polish, getting professional manicures, and setting small goals, such as growing and leaving one nail untouched at a time.
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