Ava Monroe
Nail biting is a common habit that can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. It can be caused by anxiety, stress, boredom, or tiredness. While it may be challenging to stop, there are ways to fix and grow out bitten nails. This includes identifying triggers, keeping nails trimmed and filed, and using nail-strengthening products. It is also important to take care of the cuticles and moisturize the nails to promote healthy nail growth. Relapses are normal, and it is important to be kind to yourself and remember that nails will grow back.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of nail-biting | Anxiety, stress, boredom, hunger, or tiredness |
| How to stop biting | Identify triggers, keep your hands busy with a stress ball or fidget toy, get your nails done in a salon |
| How to fix damaged nails | Cut short, file in a rounded shape, moisturize with essential oils, use a nail strengthener |
| How to grow nails | Keep nails short, use a nail hardener, moisturize nails and cuticles |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the cause of nail biting
Nail biting, or onychophagy, is a common compulsive oral habit, especially among children, with 25-35% of children biting their nails. While some people outgrow the habit, it can become a lifelong issue for others. It is often a coping mechanism in response to nerves, boredom, loneliness, or hunger. It can also be associated with mental health conditions such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Identifying the cause of nail biting can be difficult, and there is often no clear reason why someone develops this habit. However, understanding the triggers is key to stopping. The three most common triggers are nervousness, boredom, and loneliness. Nail biting can also be a sign of a more serious psychological or emotional problem. In children, it is often associated with psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and separation anxiety disorder.
Genetics can also play a role, with some people having a genetic tendency towards nail biting and other body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). These can include skin picking, hair pulling, and trichotillomania (the urge to pull out hair). Nail biting is also associated with oral parafunctional activities such as bruxism (tooth grinding), pen chewing, and cheek biting.
Identifying the triggers and causes of nail biting is an important first step in breaking the habit. Once the triggers are known, they can be managed, and replacement behaviors can be found. For example, squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or chewing gum can help to reduce nail biting.
If you have repeatedly tried to stop nail biting without success, it may be time to consult a doctor or therapist. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be an effective treatment for nail biting, helping to identify and replace unhelpful behavior patterns.
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Take a gradual approach to stop biting
Nail biting, or onychophagia, often starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It is usually caused by anxiety or stress, and can sometimes be a sign of a more serious psychological or emotional problem. If you've tried to quit and relapsed, don't be too hard on yourself—relapse is a normal step in recovery.
Identify your triggers: Recognise when, where, and why you bite your nails. Are you biting them when you're bored, stressed, or anxious? By figuring out what causes you to bite your nails, you can develop a plan to avoid or manage these situations.
Replace the habit: Try replacing the habit of nail-biting with a healthier one. For example, when you feel the urge to bite your nails, play with a stress ball, fidget toy, or worry stone instead. This will help keep your hands busy and away from your mouth.
Keep your nails short: Having less nail provides less to bite and can be less tempting. Keep your nails trimmed and consider filing them with a fine glass nail file to maintain a shorter length. Just be careful not to cut or file them too short, as this can make them more prone to breaking.
Apply bitter-tasting nail polish: Use an over-the-counter bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage nail biting. These formulas are safe but have an awful taste that many people find effective in curbing the habit.
Make your nails look nice: Get your nails done at a salon or paint them yourself. You may be less likely to bite your nails if they look good.
Set small goals: Instead of trying to stop cold turkey, set small goals for yourself. For example, start by choosing one nail not to bite, like your thumb. Once you've succeeded, add another nail to the "no-biting" zone until all your fingers are off-limits.
Remember, it's okay to seek professional help if you need it. If you've repeatedly tried to quit and are struggling, consider consulting a doctor or mental health provider.
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Keep nails trimmed short
Keeping nails short is a strategy recommended by dermatologists to stop biting them. Having less nail makes it harder to bite them and less tempting to do so.
To keep nails short, you can trim them with nail clippers or scissors. It is important to be careful when cutting nails, as cutting them too short can leave no room for the hyponychium to grow, and can also make them more prone to breaking. Nails should be kept slightly on the shorter side to prevent breakage, but not so short that it becomes tempting to bite them.
In addition to keeping nails short, it is also important to maintain healthy cuticles. Cuticles should be trimmed when they become too long, as long cuticles can be a physical trigger for nail biting. However, it is important to leave a bit of the cuticle, as it protects the nail. Pushing back the cuticles can also help to make the nails appear longer.
While keeping nails short can be an effective strategy for preventing nail biting, it is important to address the underlying causes of the behaviour. Nail biting is often a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or boredom. Identifying the triggers for nail biting can help to develop strategies to avoid or manage these triggers.
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Use nail hardeners and moisturisers
Nail biting is a common habit that can be difficult to break. It can cause abnormal-looking nails and damage the tissue that helps nails grow. To fix and grow bitten nails, you can use nail hardeners and moisturisers, which can help strengthen and nourish your nails. Here are some tips to help you in your journey:
First, identify your triggers. Nail biting can be caused by physical triggers, such as hangnails, or emotional triggers like boredom, stress, or anxiety. Recognising these triggers can help you address the underlying cause and develop a plan to stop biting your nails.
To strengthen your nails, consider using nail hardeners. While some experts believe that these products are generally ineffective due to their large molecular size, others argue that they can provide an added layer of protection. Nail hardeners can include clear polishes, such as Nailtiques Formula 2, which contains healthy proteins and strengtheners. Apply these products to bare nails once or twice a day until you achieve your desired results. However, be cautious not to over-harden your nails, as this can lead to brittleness and increased breakage.
Moisturisers and cuticle oils are also essential in nourishing and hydrating your nails and the surrounding skin. Look for products containing natural oils like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, or aloe vera. These oils can penetrate the nail plate and replenish natural oils, promoting healthier nails and cuticles. Apply these moisturisers and oils regularly, especially before bedtime, to allow for optimal absorption.
In addition to nail care products, maintaining a healthy diet can also contribute to nail health. Include a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables in your diet, particularly those rich in vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, and calcium. Oily fish, such as salmon and sardines, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help lubricate and moisturise the nail bed.
Finally, be patient and consistent with your nail care routine. It takes time and dedication to fix and grow bitten nails. Remember to be kind to yourself during this journey, as setbacks may occur. With persistence and self-care, you'll be on your way to achieving stronger, healthier nails.
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Treat open wounds in cuticles with antibiotic cream
Nail biting is a common habit that can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. It can be caused by anxiety, stress, or boredom. It can also be a sign of a more serious psychological or emotional problem. If you've tried to quit and relapsed, don't be too hard on yourself—relapse is a normal step in recovery.
Biting your nails can cause damage to the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails. It can also leave you vulnerable to infection as harmful bacteria and viruses can be transferred from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth.
One way to treat open wounds in cuticles caused by nail biting is to apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and cover the area with a bandage. If symptoms don't improve after 2-3 days, or if you develop a fever, red streaks around the nail, nail discolouration, or joint or muscle pain, see a doctor. They may prescribe an oral antibiotic or, in chronic cases, an anti-fungal topical treatment.
Paronychia is a common bacterial nail infection that can develop when bacteria enter broken skin near the cuticle and nail fold. It usually results in mild inflammation and is treated with topical antibiotics and/or steroids. In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is severe or the patient is immunocompromised. Warm soaks with or without Burow solution or 1% acetic acid can also help to treat the infection and promote drainage. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions and finish the entire course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from returning.
To prevent nail biting, try to keep your nails trimmed short and looking their best. You can also apply bitter-tasting nail polish, which discourages nail biting. Identify your triggers and try to replace the habit with something else, like playing with a stress ball or fidget toy.
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Frequently asked questions
Recognise what makes you bite your nails, such as boredom, stress, or anxiety. Once you know what triggers you to bite your nails, you can avoid these situations and develop a plan to stop.
Try playing with a stress ball or fidget toy to keep your hands busy and away from your mouth.
Bitter-tasting nail polish discourages nail biting. You can also try clear polishes packed with healthy proteins and strengtheners, such as Nailtiques Formula 2.
Cut your nails short and file them into a rounded shape to prevent split nails. You can also use a cuticle oil formulated with essential oils, such as almond oil or jojoba oil, to restore the natural oils in your nails and cuticles.
Keep your nails on the shorter side to prevent breakage. You can also use a nail hardener to strengthen your nails.
