Can’t have beautiful long nails because of nail biting? Find out everything you can about this habit and what you can do to stop it.

Nail biting, or onychophagia, is a common habit for people who get anxious, nervous or scared a lot. Sometimes, this has become a habit it’s hard to shake-off for some people.

Constantly biting your nails may result in them becoming too short for proper-looking manicures. What a lot of people don’t know is that nail biting may bring on a lot of possible health issues and problems.

Nail Biting | Everything You Need To Know

Although extreme nail biting may cause infections and nail damage, there are ways to cut the habit. You can still have beautiful manicures without ruining it with bite marks.

Find out what you need to know about this unhygienic habit here.

Nail Biting Causes

According to WebMD, gnawing your nails is either a way to ease anxiety or an automated activity for the body when the mind loses interest in something. However, some experts believe the habit is a symptom of a more serious psychological issue.

While adult nail biters could have OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), children who have the same habit may have other psychiatric issues, such as ADHD (attention deficiency and hyperactive disorder), separation anxiety and even bed wetting.

Possible Health Issues

While nail biting may seem like a simple habit, it may result in some very complicated health problems.

According to Mercola, dirty fingernails may carry deadly bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. When you nibble on your nails, you might end up ingesting these infectious organisms as well.

Gnawing your nails may also result in other infections (paronychia) and even warts due to HPV infections. It may also cause dental problems.

Ways To Stop Nail Biting

Fortunately, there are ways to break the habit of biting your nails!

You can use products made specifically to stop you from making a meal out of your nails. These products have a nasty taste which will immediately remind you that you shouldn’t be biting your nails.
You can also use fake nails to hide your natural nails. Since they’re acrylic, you won’t be able to peel them away and will ultimately help your real nails grow healthy and strong underneath them. You can also get really pretty nail art to remind you that you could ruin them by biting your nails.
Another way to prevent yourself from biting your nails is to cut off those annoying bits around your nails. Use a cuticle cutter or a nail cutter to take out those little hangnails.
Last but not least, try to keep your hands occupied. Since experts deemed it as a habit you do when your brain is bored or anxious, engage in activities that will keep your mind and hands busy.

DIY Solutions

There are also homemade recipes you can follow to stop yourself from biting your nails. Top 10 Home Remedies recommended applying neem oil as well as crushed garlic or bitter gourd on your nails. Their bitter taste will stop you from putting your fingers in your mouth.

Find out how to stop nail biting with this video from Cute Polish: