Nail biting or Onychophagia to use the medical term is an extremely common problem in both children and adults, affecting approximately 30% of children 7-10 years old and a staggering 45% of teenagers. It’s basically a nervous habit known as an oral fixation by psychologists. In the same way that small children need a dummy or comforter in their mouths, some adults still have the same need in order to feel secure or relaxed, and therefore bite their nails. It stands to reason then that it is a problem that normally manifests itself in the most difficult situations such as job interviews – not a good first impression!
Here are a few simple ways to break the habit and stop biting your nails!
Steps
1. Nail biting is an unconscious habit in that you are unaware when you start doing it. One way to make you realise you are chewing away on your fingers is to buy a special clear nail paint available over the counter which has a bitter taste when it comes into contact with the mouth. This discourages you from biting your nails and is often very effective in correcting the habit.
2. Try to identify what makes you start biting your nails. If you can avoid the triggers you may be able to stop biting your finger nails.
3. When you feel like you are going to bite your nails, try to replace the biting habit with something else such as chewing a piece of gum or a mint.
4. Hypnotherapy and meditation are sometimes used to help with Onychophagia. Reducing your stress levels generally will also therefore have a positive effect on your habit.
5. If the above steps don’t work for you, don’t be afraid to visit your doctor for advice on bringing your nail biting to a stop. Nail biting is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder and there are other treatments available.
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