If there's one thing you've been dreaming of getting rid of for years, it's this habit of always putting your nails in your mouth. On the one hand because the result is never a success, but also because it is a bit borderline in terms of hygiene. So why not take advantage of this confinement to put an end to nail biting once and for all?
Onychophagia:what is it?
Onychophagia is the term used to refer to nail biting. It is considered the most prevalent tic disorder; researchers estimate that 20 to 30% of the world's population suffers from this mania (according to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the United States). This figure is even higher for teenagers, 45% of whom are affected.
Most often linked to stress and anxiety, this bad habit acts as a kind of emotional "valve" by allowing the person concerned to offload their anxiety and stress. One study even suggested that onychophagia could reflect an individual's perfectionism[1]. The researchers thus believe that this nervous tic would actually betray a tendency to impatience and an increased sensitivity to frustration. This obsessive behavior would then counter a natural tendency to frustration and dissatisfaction.
Finally, there is a mimetic onychophagy. The latter is characterized by the imitation of an individual of the close entourage who also bites his nails. It usually affects young children.
Why should you absolutely stop biting your nails?
Beyond the unsightly side of bitten nails, this mania can have health consequences. Under the nails, many bacteria proliferate. Once in contact with the oral mucosa, they benefit from a real gateway to the whole body. They can also enter the body from your damaged fingers.
The other major consequence linked to nail biting is the appearance of paronychia. This infection affects the tissues around the nails and is particularly unsightly. In recurrent cases of onychophagia, weakening of the teeth can also be observed, as well as bad breath linked to the presence of bacteria. As for the nail, when it is so often attacked, it can deteriorate permanently and no longer grow back.
How to stop biting your nails?
In order to permanently get rid of this mania, many techniques and aids exist today
The Bitter Varnish
The best known is undoubtedly bitter varnish. This provides material assistance to the person who wishes to stop biting their nails. Its unpleasant taste causes a disgust that should encourage you to stop putting your nails to your mouth. It is applied 2 to 3 times a week so that its taste is always pronounced. There are also bitter essential oils that work on the same principle. You just need to cover your nails regularly. Aloe vera has the same effect.
Better management of your emotions
It is also important to learn to manage your emotions to stop biting your nails. For this, there are meditation or hypnosis exercises that you can perform with a professional. Consulting a psychologist or a doctor can also help you. There is a technique that is often effective for this problem:cognitive-behavioral therapy. She strives to understand where this mania comes from in order to succeed in correcting it permanently.
A beautiful manicure
If you still can't get rid of this mania, try treating yourself to beautiful nails instead. For example, you can make a manicure that you won't want to damage by biting your nails. You can also challenge yourself and reward yourself with small pleasures when you manage not to bite your nails all day for example.
Gloves or bandages
At home, you can also wear gloves or bandages. This will curb your onychophagia.
Homeopathy
Finally, consider homeopathy for more in-depth work. The granules of Argentum Nitricum, Phosphorus, Ignata Amara and Gelsemium are the most suitable. Each of these elements makes it possible to act on emotions and hyperanxiety. By soothing you, these granules limit your desire to bite your nails and fight your natural tendency to worry.
Now equipped to fight this bad habit, it won't take long for you to find beautiful hands. You will then have to take care of it to be sure to resist the call of nail biting.
[1] Study by Dr. Kieron O’Connor of the University of Psychiatry of Montreal – 2015
