How to stop biting your fingernails

Jon says he can't stop biting his nails. He asks for suggestions.

Nail biting is a bad habit which often begins during childhood. Studies show that 60 per cent of children bite their nails! This is especially so during anxious or boring moments as nail biting is said to ease anxiety by diverting the mind. Nail biting becomes less common after age 18 but can persist into adulthood.

Biting finger nails can also be a symptom of Obsessive-Compulsive disorder where, for example, people are compelled to do repetitive actions such as to recheck that their doors are closed, rewash their hands several times or walk on only certain tiles in a walkway. Frustration and loneliness also play a role in nail biting.

Nail biting can damage nail cuticles causing nail infections. It can affect teeth development leading to poorly aligned and weakened teeth and the appearance of ragged fingernails can be embarrassing!

To help prevent nail biting try the following:

• Paint nails with bitter tasting nail polish

• Keep nails trimmed very short

• Get regular manicures. When money is spent on the nails they are less likely to be bitten

• Try managing stress by exercise, yoga, squeezing a stress ball to relax

• Place a rubber band about the wrists and snap them whenever the urge to bite occurs

• Wear gloves

• Place adhesive tape on the finger tips

• Cover the nails with acrylics or false nails to allow them to grow out underneath

If nail biting persists then talk to a doctor or mental health professional.