Page 56 - (DK) Home Doctor: Providing practical advice on home treatments

54 COMMON CONDITIONS: SKIN, HAIR, AND NAIL PROBLEMS

Nail biting

Many children and adolescents chew or bite on their fingernails, but most grow out of the habit eventually.
Some people, however, continue to bite their nails in adult life, and the habit can be hard to break. You may
find you bite your nails inadvertently when you are bored, or as a coping mechanism during times of stress
or anxiety. In addition to being socially unappealing, nail biting transfers germs between your hands and
your mouth and, if you chew the skin around your nails as well, it becomes susceptible to infections. You
may also be ashamed of the appearance of your nails, particularly if biting makes them rough, torn, or split.

See your doctor first
DRUG REMEDIES
Make an appointment to see your doctor if:
Antinail-biting lotions (see p.179) have
● You or your child show other signs of anxiety
an extremely bitter taste that deters nibbling and
such as hair pulling, or difficulty sleeping
acts as a reminder every time you start to bite.
They can be used for children over 5, but work with
your child, rather than forcing him or her to try one.
What you can do yourself
Once you or your child have decided to stop nail
biting, take these steps to help break the habit.
● Sit in front of a mirror and watch yourself biting
your nails to see how unappealing it looks.
● Cut your nails short, and smooth them with a fine
emery board so there are no ragged edges to chew.
Put adhesive bandages around the tops of your
fingers to keep from chewing loose bits of skin.
● Be aware of the times when you bite your nails
and try to occupy your hands by fiddling with a Using the lotion
pen, worry beads, or a piece of modeling clay. Paint the lotion on like a nail polish once a day, paying
particular attention to the top edge of the nails.
● Chew sugar-free gum instead of your nails.
● Paint an antinail-biting lotion on your nails
(see DRUG REMEDIES, right).
● Reward yourself when your nails begin to look Seek further medical advice
better. For example, have a professional manicure.
Arrange to see your doctor if:
● Try having artificial nails fitted. They last for
● The skin around the nails becomes red
about 2 weeks, which may be long enough for you and weepy or bleeds
to break your nail-biting habit.
● Don’t make your child feel guilty about nail biting.
Try to find out if anything is causing anxiety and if
there is something you can do to help.
● Use a star chart with your child. Reward each
nail-biting-free day with a stick-on star and buy
a small gift when the chart is complete.