In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Nail biting (onychophagy) can indicate an emotional imbalance and can be a serious problem. Nail biting is both an aesthetic and a health problem. It is most common in children. With time, however, most of them grow out of it. In adults, the addiction to biting the nails affects about 15 percent. people.
Reasons for biting your nails
The reasons nail biting they are rooted in our psyche. It is an addictive, automatic, and unconscious habit. Nail biting is associated with the feeling of anxiety, uncertainty and tension. Persons biting nails they are often hyperactive and nervous. Nail biting can be divided into two forms. The mild form appears in people who have they bite their nails only in stressful situations. This allows them to release their negative emotions. The second form is on purpose biting your nails. It may be the result of neurosis. It is worth noting, however, that in most cases it is an unconditional and occasional reflex.
Also read: Sick at school? More and more children are afraid of going to school
The effects of biting your nails
Nail biting can cause many dental problems. Nail biting causes: malocclusion, deformation of the jaw, curvature of the front teeth, and sometimes it can even damage the gums and inflammation. The changes are also noticeable on the nails themselves. Nail biting causes damage to plaques and cuticles. Nail biting it can also lead to fungal or gastrointestinal infections. Biting my nails, we can also get infected with e.g. pinworms. This is due to the fact that many bacteria accumulate under the nails. Many years nail biting can lead to irreversible changes in the structure of the plate and deformation.
Take care of your nails and regularly apply Cold Pressed Plum Seed Oil to your hair, skin and nails.
Nail biting – treatment
If nail biting it does not result from neurosis, then it is enough, for example, to buy a special varnish. Applying a special preparation to your nails will make them have a bitter, unpleasant aftertaste. An effective solution in treatment nail biting there is also a change of habits. When we feel like it nail biting, do something else, e.g. pick up a ball, eat pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. It is worth giving them into the hands of a specialist who will take care of their appearance so that it would be a pity to destroy them. If nail biting results from neurosis, consultation with a specialist is needed.