How to stop biting your nails once and for all: 8 proven ways

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

As a rule, the habit of biting nails appears in childhood, persists for quite a long time (sometimes for life) and leads not only to cosmetic defects, but also to more serious problems. If you still have not managed to get rid of this ugly habit, try several proven methods.

Why you shouldn't bite your nails

Constant gnawing of your nails, of course, will not kill you, but you can get a lot of trouble. Here are the main dangers that lie in wait for those who like to drag their fingers into their mouths:

1. The shape of the nails and the condition of the skin around them deteriorate. Burrs appear, and if you accidentally damage the top layer of the skin, an infection can get into the wound and cause severe inflammation.
2. The condition of the teeth worsens: chips and cracks of the enamel are possible. But teeth, as you know, are not nails and will not grow back on their own. In addition, the front teeth are at risk, the condition of which is conspicuous to others. You can also get inflammation of the gums and mouth.
3. The risk of digestive disorders is increased. A huge number of microbes live on the hands, especially under the nails. If you drag your hands into your mouth over and over again, sooner or later, harmful microorganisms from under your nails will attack you from the inside.

How to get rid of a bad habit

1. Trim your nails regularly

The shorter the nail, the harder it is to chew.

2. Get a professional manicure

You will be sorry to ruin your manicure. Firstly, because it is beautiful, and secondly, because it is expensive. For the sake of parting with a nasty habit, you can cover your nails with gel or acrylic: it is quite difficult to bite off this.

3. Start saving one nail

Break the habit gradually: first, forbid yourself from biting your nail, for example, on the thumb of your right hand. At first it will be difficult to remember the ban, but in the end you will be able to remove one finger from the number of bites, and the appearance of the nail on it will certainly please you. After that, add the index finger to the number of protected objects, and so on, until the habit disappears completely.

4. Use special coatings with a bitter taste

There are varnishes and enamels against nail biting. These products are sold both in pharmacies and cosmetic stores.

5. Wear gloves or tape your nails

Cardinally, but effective: in this case, you physically cannot get to your nails.

6. Observe yourself

Try to understand in what situations or in what emotional state you put your hands in your mouth. Perhaps you are provoked by an uneven edge of the nail or a burr, or maybe you are just bored or anxious. Find out the reason, and it will be much easier for you to control yourself.

7. Replace one habit with another

Hold something in your hands more often - cuddle an anti-stress toy, spin a spinner, run a coin between the phalanges of your fingers, or just flick a fountain pen. Instead of nails, nibble on an apple or chew gum. In short, keep your mouth and hands occupied with something less harmful.

8. See a doctor

Sometimes nail biting signals mental or emotional overload. If you've tried everything, but the habit is stronger than you, see your doctor.