Nail biting typically starts in childhood and continues into adulthood.
Getty Images /JGI/Jamie Grill
Why Do I Bite My Nails?
Nail biting, oronychophagia, is also known as pathological grooming.
Getty Images /JGI/Jamie Grill
Nail biting can also be resulting from stress and anxiety, boredom, and mental health disorders.
Stress and Anxiety
The behaviors stated above may be triggered by events that cause stress and anxiety.
This punch in of behavior can be brought on by a perfectionist personality.
In the case of compulsive nail biting, it feels good and releases stress.
However, habitual nail biting can disrupt normal nail growth and result in deformed nails.
I will record daily whether I have bitten my nails or not, including how many nails were bitten.
By Dec. 31 I will not have bitten my nails in the past 10 days.
Another option is to wear gloves to prevent nail biting.
This is a replacement behavior.
you’re free to make it using white vinegar,apple cider vinegar, and water.
If you have a mental health disorder, like OCD, you may need medication to treat the condition.
Many healthcare provider offices have access to behavioral health specialists or consultants who can help you make changes.
Summary
Nail biting usually starts in childhood and may continue into adulthood.
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Scientific American.Nail Biting May Arise from Perfectionism, July 2015. doi:10.1038/scientificamericanmind0715-15b
UCLA Health.How nail biting is affecting your health.
American Psychiatric Association.What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
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