Nail biting is an oral compulsive habit that is very common in children and adults. Medically, it is known as onychophagia. Many people are not even aware of the fact that they are biting their nails. From a mild habit, nail biting can become a more serious problem.
Stress, boredom, frustration, anxiety and loneliness psychological conditions usually lead to nail biting. Nail biting has both physical and emotional consequences. Nail biting can also harm your teeth. Excessive nail biting can cause severe damage to the nail, cuticles as well as the surrounding skin, which can become red and sore and may even bleed and get infected.
As the appearance of bitten-down fingernails can be embarrassing, this can add to your anxiety and stress. Plus, the act of biting your nails is socially unacceptable and gives a negative impression to others.
Nail biting is an extremely hard habit to break, but not an impossible task. You can do it with a little motivation and strong will power. There are also
many natural aids that can help you stop biting your nails.
Here are the top 7 natural aids to stop nail biting.
1. Bitter leaf
The bitter taste of bitter leaf squash can help you stop nail biting.
1. Use a cotton ball to rub bitter leaf fluid on your nails.
2. Allow it to dry on its own.
3. When you unconsciously bite your nails, the bitter taste will compel you to remove your fingers from your mouth.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another natural ingredient that can help you in the battle to fight nail biting. Many people dislike
garlic’s strong taste and aroma. As garlic is a natural antiseptic, it will also strengthen your nails and keep
infections at bay. You can use both raw garlic and garlic oil.
Cut a clove of garlic into halves. Run one piece over your nails liberally and leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off. The lingering garlic taste will stop you from biting
your nails. You can also rub some garlic oil on your nails with a cotton ball.
3. Nail Biting Polish
Use a bitter-tasting nail biting polish to coat your nails. Its bitter taste will prevent you from biting your nails.
You can even use a regular dark-colored nail polish. When the nails are covered in dark color, they look bad when chipped from nail biting. This can help motivate you to break the habit.
4. Trim the Nails
Another good option to stop nail biting is to. When you keep your nails
relatively short, there is less left to bite. Trimming your nails will also keep them looking neat and tidy. Trim your nails on a regular basis
Choose the right clippers for the job and after trimming, polish the edges with a nail filer.
5. Artificial Nails
Wearing artificial nails is a great way to keep your nails covered so that you cannot bite them. Also artificial nails will hide the bitten nails in a stylish manner. There are different types of artificial nails available in
the market like acrylics, wraps, gels and press-on nails. Always opt for the right size of artificial nails to reduce the risk of falling off.
6. Wear Gloves
Gloves work as a good barrier method that can help you stop biting your nails. You’ll be more motivated
to quit biting if you’re writing or doing something else that is particularly tough to do while wearing gloves.
Another good barrier to prevent nail biting is applying self-adhesive bandages on your fingertips. Also, as bandaged nails do not look good, they work as a motivator to stop nail biting. Keep the bandages on your fingers during the day and take them off at night. You can apply fresh bandages every time you shower, or every time they become wet or dirty.
7. Adopt a new habit
If you bite your nails when you are stressed, depressed or bored, pick up a new habit that will keep you distracted. Opt for a hobby that will keep both your hands and mind busy and thus prevent you from biting your nails. Some hobbies that you can try are making clay models, knitting or crocheting, drawing, cooking, painting and music. Participating in these activities will also help reduce the emotional distress that is contributing to the nail biting.
You can also chew gum or suck on mints or candies throughout the day.
Carry a water bottle with you so that you can take a sip of water instead of biting your nails when you have a weak moment.
Visualize yourself with strong, healthy nails. Put a picture of healthy nails on your wall, or even carry it with you. This will motivate you to reach your goal. Maintain a healthy diet. Eat calcium and magnesium-
rich foods so your nails will repair and grow well.
Reduce stress so that you can become more relaxed.
If you’ve tried everything to stop biting your nails and nothing has worked, it may be time to see your doctor. At times, nail biting can be a symptom of a bigger issue like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or depression.
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