Table of contents:
- The cause of the habit of biting nails
- The dangers of biting your nails
- 1. Infection
- 2. Periungual warts
- 3. Problems with teeth
- 4. Stomach ache
- How to get rid of nail biting
- 1. Keep nails short
- 2. Do itmanicure and pedicure
- 3. Use nail polish
- 4. Keep hands or mouth busy
- 5. Ask other people to stop it
Nail biting is a habit that many people do, both consciously and unconsciously. This habit that is difficult to break can happen to anyone, from children to adults. So, what are the causes of nail biting and how do they affect health?
The cause of the habit of biting nails
Nail biting hobby otherwise known as onychophagia These are habits related to stress or nervousness in children and adults. Most people who experience this usually bite the nail plate and sometimes the tissue on the nail bed, and cuticles.
Experts do not yet know what is the exact cause of this nail biting habit. However, there are certain conditions that are also experienced onychophagia, namely:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
- anxiety disorders
- Tourette's syndrome
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
This habit is generally carried out without the sufferer realizing it. Many of them feel calm after removing the tip of the nail or the skin around it. Other triggers for this habit can also come from feeling bored or situations that make you nervous or stressed.
The dangers of biting your nails
Many people think that nail biting is a normal and harmless habit. In fact, this is not the case. There are lurking repercussions from the habit of picking at the tips of the nails or cuticles. Here are some of the dangers of nail biting.
1. Infection
Fingernail infections can occur as a result of frequent biting of nails, especially if they are quite large. The reason is, when the nail is pulled out, the smooth skin under the nail will be visible. This section is susceptible to attack by bacteria that cause infection.
The most common infection in this area is paronychia. Paronychia is a skin infection that appears on the toenails of both the hands and feet. This condition can be caused by bacterial and fungal infections.
In addition, infection with nail fungus (onychomycosis) is also more at risk for people who like to bite their nails.
This problem can certainly be cured by breaking this habit. In addition, you can soak your hands in warm water to reduce pain and swelling due to infection.
2. Periungual warts
Periungual warts are a condition that often occurs in people with this habit. Generally, warts are small in size and are painless. However, as the wart grows bigger, the pain increases.
This condition is usually caused by HPV (human papillomavirus) which can enter through scratches or cuts. That is why periungual warts can occur in people who frequently bite their nails.
3. Problems with teeth
Apart from nail problems, nail biting can also interfere with dental health. The position of the teeth can shift out of place and cause the tooth or tooth enamel to break. Not only that, the gums are also at risk of infection and swelling.
4. Stomach ache
Did you know that nail biting can also harm your stomach? This is because the bacteria on your hands usually like to hide behind your nails.
Therefore, it is not impossible that bacteria will enter the digestive tract when you pull out your nails with your teeth. If left untreated, disorders of the digestive system that begin with symptoms of abdominal pain can occur.
Apart from the four problems above, there are other dangers that haunt people who like to bite their nails, namely:
- herpetic whitlow,
- abnormal nail growth, as well
- inflammation of the nails.
How to get rid of nail biting
Actually, limiting the habit of biting your nails is quite difficult. You have to know what triggers this habit. Before stopping this behavior, try to remember again when you started this hobby, whether it was stress, watching TV or feeling anxious.
After knowing the cause, of course you need to reduce this attitude slowly. Here are some ways you can try that might reduce your nail biting habit.
1. Keep nails short
One way to stop nail biting is to trim your nails regularly so you can keep them short. The reason is, long nails tend to be more attractive to bite than nails with short sizes.
2. Do itmanicure and pedicure
The one who did meni pedi usually will take better care of the nails. If you're trying to break the habit of biting your nails, try a manicure.
The time, money, and effort involved in a manicure can all be taken into consideration when you think about biting your nails. You can also wear gloves or cover your nails with tape or stickers as a precaution.
3. Use nail polish
After doing meni pedi, some of you may beautify your nails by painting your nails with colored nail polish.
Well, this desire can actually help resist the urge to bite your nails. The reason is, nail polish makes nails uncomfortable and tends to be bitter when bitten.
4. Keep hands or mouth busy
Instead of biting your nails, you can distract yourself with other activities. Try to distract yourself by drawing, writing, or chewing gum.
5. Ask other people to stop it
Apart from yourself, ask other people to stop you from biting your nails. You can also find friends who are in the same habit and want to quit so they can promise each other to reduce this behavior.
If you have tried all of the above home remedies and it doesn't get better, it's best to consult a doctor. There are times when nail biting is a sign of serious psychological or emotional problems.
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