Nailbiting - what health issue is this?

Some texts say it is based on inadequate acid in stomach.
Others say it is a compulsive obsessive disorder, yet others that its origin is childhood trauma.

I want to know what health issue is the basis for this destructive habit and how to heal it.

Don't tell me awful tasting solutions painted on fingernails - they don't work.
Don't tell me hypnosis, because that doesn't work either.
Trust me, I know.

I read somewhere that only 5% of adults still nailbite.
That means that I am still a child.

nonas_insights wrote:Don't tell me awful tasting solutions painted on fingernails - they don't work.
Don't tell me hypnosis, because that doesn't work either.
Trust me, I know.

I read somewhere that only 5% of adults still nailbite.
That means that I am still a child.

hi Nona;

I do not see any reason to stop nail biting. In fact it is good for you and indeed help you to recall pleasant childhood states. (as far as i could understand from your post). keep doing it.

some say it's nutritional deficiencies, some say it's just a nervous habit, or an 'oral thing' (like smoking or thumb-sucking).
I know someone who just can't resist "the crunch" - whereas I might eat crisps or nuts for the same 'crunch' effect, at least nail-biting has less calories! ;-)
So many clients are self-conscious about their nail biting, "ooh please don't look at my nails...". I am pleased to see the advice given that it is Ok to be a nail biter, as long as you are not harming yourself. I think that is quite unusual, but fine, advice!

Which fingernails are your favorites or do you chew on whichever one has grown out enough?

Hi all who answered my query:

What an amusing suggestion - quite different... but then again, palm-readers ARE different folk aren't we??

Self-discipline must be lacking in my case.

Dear Patti, if only there was a time when something could have grown extraordinarily!! Once when it got to that long the poor nail was so soft it caught and ripped off. Alas!

I had a client once who showed me her extraordinary strong fingernails and said that she had beat her nail-chewing habit when the dentist pulled all her teeth out, and it hurt too much to chew them with her dentures. I am not going there.

everyone!

Probable Reasons For Nail Biting
-Nervousness
This is a common cause especially in teens. The stress if school and the statis of their social life can usually be blamed.
-Boredom
This can affect any age group. You find yourself with nothing to do and before you know it, you start nibbling.
-Comfort
This reason is the likely cause for young children. They have gone through the pacifier stage or thumb sucking stage and have progressed to the nails.
Nail biting can also be a sign of mental or emotional disorder, but is commonly seen in intellectuals too. It occurs in:
• 28% to 33% of children ages 7-10 years old,
• 44% of adolescents,
• 19% to 29% of young adults and
• 5% of older adults
• It is more common in boys
Health effects
Biting the nails can result in the transportation of germs that are buried under the surface of the nail into the mouth. Thus, one can see that many pathogens have the ability to "live" inside of a nail, and because of this biting the nails can potentially cause health issues.
Breaking the habit

Various forms of aversion therapy exist to help people stop biting their nails. These include methods such as coating the nails with a bad-tasting substance (sometimes in the form of a special nail polish) or wearing a rubber band on their wrist and having friends and family members snap it (or tell the nail biter to snap it) when they see nail biting. Some methods (including aforementioned aversion methods) can work by making the biter aware of their actions and finding other things to do. Keeping a record of when one bite may also be helpful in finding the root of the problem.

Some nail biters who undergo orthodontic treatment find that wearing a retainer or a bite plate makes it impossible for them to sever their nails with their teeth. This can have the unintentional side-effect of helping the individual to overcome their nail-biting habit.
Some nail biters may try hypnotherapy if other methods fail.

Some nail-biters, however, find the effectiveness of these remedies to be poor. For them, it may take sheer determination to break the habit. Tactics they may find helpful include making a mental note to stop, promising oneself not to bite, and making it a New Year's resolution to stop.

Like other nervous habits, nail biting is sometimes a symptom of an emotional problem. In these cases, resolving the problem experts in the field can help to lessen or eliminate the nail-biting habit.

Some nail-biters, however, find the effectivness of above mentioned remedies to be poor. For them, it may take sheer determination to break the habit. Tactics they may find helpful include making a mental note to stop, promising oneself not to bite, and making it a New Year's resolution to stop.

Source: Wikipedia.
Parender Sethi

Good habit.Atleast no need to cut nails anymore.Only remember to keep nails clean to avoid health problems.

Parender wrote:Probable Reasons For Nail Biting
-Nervousness
This is a common cause especially in teens. The stress if school and the statis of their social life can usually be blamed.
-Boredom
This can affect any age group. You find yourself with nothing to do and before you know it, you start nibbling.
-Comfort
This reason is the likely cause for young children. They have gone through the pacifier stage or thumb sucking stage and have progressed to the nails.
Nail biting can also be a sign of mental or emotional disorder, but is commonly seen in intellectuals too. It occurs in:
• 28% to 33% of children ages 7-10 years old,
• 44% of adolescents,
• 19% to 29% of young adults and
• 5% of older adults
• It is more common in boys
Health effects
Biting the nails can result in the transportation of germs that are buried under the surface of the nail into the mouth. Thus, one can see that many pathogens have the ability to "live" inside of a nail, and because of this biting the nails can potentially cause health issues.
Breaking the habit

Various forms of aversion therapy exist to help people stop biting their nails. These include methods such as coating the nails with a bad-tasting substance (sometimes in the form of a special nail polish) or wearing a rubber band on their wrist and having friends and family members snap it (or tell the nail biter to snap it) when they see nail biting. Some methods (including aforementioned aversion methods) can work by making the biter aware of their actions and finding other things to do. Keeping a record of when one bite may also be helpful in finding the root of the problem.

Some nail biters who undergo orthodontic treatment find that wearing a retainer or a bite plate makes it impossible for them to sever their nails with their teeth. This can have the unintentional side-effect of helping the individual to overcome their nail-biting habit.
Some nail biters may try hypnotherapy if other methods fail.

Some nail-biters, however, find the effectiveness of these remedies to be poor. For them, it may take sheer determination to break the habit. Tactics they may find helpful include making a mental note to stop, promising oneself not to bite, and making it a New Year's resolution to stop.

Like other nervous habits, nail biting is sometimes a symptom of an emotional problem. In these cases, resolving the problem experts in the field can help to lessen or eliminate the nail-biting habit.

Some nail-biters, however, find the effectivness of above mentioned remedies to be poor. For them, it may take sheer determination to break the habit. Tactics they may find helpful include making a mental note to stop, promising oneself not to bite, and making it a New Year's resolution to stop.

Source: Wikipedia.
Parender Sethi

Dear Parender,
most of what you have written is probably correct, except I am never bored.

I have also a good immune system and have only had one cold in the last 4 years.

Hok wrote:Good habit.Atleast no need to cut nails anymore.Only remember to keep nails clean to avoid health problems.

Hi Hok,

You and nonas_insights like people can form a Nail Biting Club to Enjoy and share experiences of nail biting. Good Luck!
Enjoy!
Parender Sethi

The following link will help nail-biters I think.

http://bite-nails.blogspot.com/

Parender Sethi

Hello,
I used to bite my nails from probably the age of 7? up until around early twenties. For me it was definitely nervousness, and impatience. I used to chew when waiting in line, sitting in class (maybe boredom) but mostly I would say it was comforting for my issue at the time. My parents fought a lot when I was young, but I don't think that had anything to do with it, just my personality back then. My excuse always was that my nails were split and dry and I was 'smoothing' them with my teeth. Maybe if I had nail clippers and file handy at all times I may have not chewed them so much.?? Anyway I think I simply grew out of the habit. Nowdays the nail file gets a workout if the nails are starting to split or break.

Yes,
I think nail biting is nerves and boredom.

Sari wrote:Yes,
I think nail biting is nerves and boredom.

Can you please cite your references?

Sorry,
That was just my own reason for nail biting.

Sari wrote:Sorry,
That was just my own reason for nail biting.

Have you done your own research to back this up?

Parender wrote:

Hok wrote:Good habit.Atleast no need to cut nails anymore.Only remember to keep nails clean to avoid health problems.

Hi Hok,

You and nonas_insights like people can form a Nail Biting Club to Enjoy and share experiences of nail biting. Good Luck!
Enjoy!
Parender Sethi

He he hee,
Hok, Parender and nonas,

Thanks.

nonas_insights wrote:[

Dear Parender,
most of what you have written is probably correct, except I am never bored.

I have also a good immune system and have only had one cold in the last 4 years.

Hi,

Acid deficiencies happen in extreme cases.

Nail biting is mostly an obssesive compulsive habit like smoking is; as if someone is constantly thinking with you...someone very alike you!

The nicotine in cigarrettes is about 10 % of the total addiction; the other 90% is the act of smoking (obssessive compulsive habit).

No, you just cannot be bored. You love company probably and love discussions over beverages/snack.

RishiRahul

Get another habit to replace it.

I was just reading about this and here are a couple of links I found.

http://www.brainphysics.com/nail-biting.php
http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-0646&html=1

Does anyone think that the finger(s) that show this issue, reflect there may be problems with the traits found associated with that finger? For example Amy Winehouse and her right middle finger.

tap wrote:I was just reading about this and here are a couple of links I found.

http://www.brainphysics.com/nail-biting.php
http://www.medicaljournals.se/acta/content/?doi=10.2340/00015555-0646&html=1

Does anyone think that the finger(s) that show this issue, reflect there may be problems with the traits found associated with that finger? For example Amy Winehouse and her right middle finger.

Yes, I do. I think it relates to the area in life they are most stressed about.

Thanks Patti

What would you say it means if this issue is found on the fingernails on both hands? All areas of life are stressed?

tap wrote:What would you say it means if this issue is found on the fingernails on both hands? All areas of life are stressed?

That, or an obsessed habitual nail biter.

I tend to ask nail biters which is their favorite fingernail to nibble and if they have an order. How long they'll let them grow - or not - until they bite them down again.

Feedback is interesting. People share their stories about trying to quit such just allowing one nail for biting on each hand.

That is interesting about the quitting process. What if the main fingers were the ring, and index fingers?
Would you consider cuticle picking/ biting different? I found this too.

http://www.brainphysics.com/skin-picking.php