How to stop nail biting advice: is it bad for you, what does it mean? Common treatments to help stop biting your nails

MANICURES and false nails are a big business with women lusting after elegant, tailored talons.

Whether your nails are long or short, most people want them to look presentable.

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Is biting your nails bad for you?

It’s common knowledge that a bitten nail isn’t the prettiest to look at.

Often they’re short and jagged, and biting them can lead to marks and small wounds.

But as well as being unsightly they can also cause health problems.

The NHS says most nail problems are often caused by the following:

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• Injuries or biting your nails
• Staining your nails – for example, by smoking or applying a lot of nail varnish
• Not regularly trimming your nails, or cutting them at an angle
• Your hands often being in water or cleaning products
• A fungal nail infection

If you have a nail problem, the NHS advises stopping biting your nails.

But you can also develop problems with your teeth or your gums, as well as your nails, if you’re constantly chewing on your nails.

Recently a 20-year-old woman had to have part of her thumb removed after she developed a rare form of cancer. 

Student Courtney Whithorn began biting her nails in school, and bit her thumbnail so much it completely came off.

It never grew back properly and began to turn black.

She believes her nail biting may have partially caused the rare cancer,  acral lentiginous subungual melanoma, to develop.

What does biting your nails mean?

Nail biting is also known as chronic onychophagia, and is one of the most common signs of stress.

For some people it’s a habit they’ve continued from childhood, others don’t realise they’re doing it and for some they bite their nails when they’re stressed.

Healthline says: “For some people, nail biting may be a sign of a more serious psychological or emotional issue.

“Behaviour therapy is another option that can help you.

“At your appointment, you can discuss your nail-biting habit with your doctor and ask for a referral to a therapist.

“You should also contact your doctor if you notice any signs of infection on your fingers or nails.

“A dermatologist can help you heal your nails and fight any infection with medication or topical treatments.”

Common treatments to help stop biting your nails

Manicure

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Getting a manicure can help you stop biting your nails.

It can improve the health of your nails, and make them a lovely shape to discourage you from biting.

And if you add a splash of colour, it can make you think twice about chewing on them.

False nails can also physically stop you biting, but keep in mind the health of nail underneath which you're trying to grow back.

Focus on each finger

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This may seem like a long-term solution, but weaning yourself off biting slowly could be the answer.

Stopping biting one nail at a time can help people who can’t go cold turkey.

Start by the thumbs, and move up a finger week by week, or month by month.

Keep them short

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Your nails may be short from biting them already, but try clipping them to make sure there’s nothing to bite.

Using a nail clipper to keep them down, and even, will mean you’re less likely to bite them if there’s nothing there to sink your teeth into.

Wear plasters

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This may seem like an extreme method, but physically stopping yourself could be the answer.

You may just want to wear them at home, but sticking a plaster around each finger will stop you biting them and could help wean you off the habit.

Gloves

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This is similar to plasters, so if you don’t want the hassle of buying and putting on plasters all day, try gloves.

You can discreetly wear them and they’re quick and easy to remove.

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Change the taste

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There’s plenty of products you can buy to help you stop biting, if home remedies have failed.

Certain gels and polishes are designed with an awful taste, to discourage you from biting.

One of them is , sold at Boots for £4.50.