Nail biting or onychophagia usually starts in childhood and can become a lifelong habit. How a child gets this habit is not always known, but once it starts, it can be difficult to quit.
25 Mar, 2023
Scientists aren’t sure about it, but children whose parents bite their nails are more likely to develop this particular habit.
Source: ThehealthsiteNail biting is almost automatic. Most of the time, people who have the habit of biting their nails are not aware that they are doing it.
Source: ThehealthsiteSome people tend to bite their nails when they are nervous, anxious or feeling down as a way to cope with emotional or mental stress.
Source: ThehealthsiteOnce nail biting becomes a habit, you may start biting your nails automatically when you’re bored, hungry or frustrated, to keep yourself occupied.
Source: ThehealthsiteSome people tend to bite their nails during moments of intense concentration or while trying to work out a problem, without even being aware that they’re doing it.
Source: ThehealthsiteNail biting is also associated with certain mental health conditions like ADHD, depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, or Tourette syndrome.
Source: ThehealthsiteNail biting rarely causes permanent damage, but it definitely has many side effects. If you swallow bitten-off nails, it can increase your chances of stomach and intestinal infections.
Source: ThehealthsiteTo kick the habit, cut your nails short, paint your nails with a bitter flavor nail polish, wear gloves, know your triggers and find other ways to cope.
Source: ThehealthsiteThanks For Reading!