Many people tend to bite their nails, a condition known as nail biting according to the DSM-5 issued by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the disorder is described as obsessive-compulsive when an individual has thoughts or obsessions that make him motivated to do something repeatedly, According to what was published by the “indianexpress” website.

What causes nail biting?

Aishwarya Vishar, an Indian nutritionist, said that people who habitually bite their nails do so when they feel stressed, bored, lonely, or even hungry.

What are the harms of nail biting?

Nail biting can lead to social and psychological complications such as emotional suffering and poor social relationships, and physical complications such as nail deformity and inflammation of the nail and the soft tissues surrounding it; Increased risk of parasitic infections and stomach infections due to ingestion of nail particles and dirt. Pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or jaw joint, periodontal infection, paronychia, autoimmune periodontal infections, and secondary bacterial infections are also associated with nail biting.

Dr. Rinki Kapoor, a consultant dermatologist, said that apart from creating a fertile environment for bacteria, fungi, and viruses of all kinds that can cause infections in the body and even on the skin, this habit destroys nails, cuticles, and the skin around them. Chronic nail biting can lead to problems. Such as nail growth, bleeding around the nails, swelling and pain around the cuticle area and nail separation from the skin.

Methods of prevention

Make sure to shorten and trim your nails so that the craving decreases.

Try wearing gloves at night or when you’re alone so you can’t bite your nails

Identify triggers

Instead of chewing nails, replace the habit with chewing gum or fennel.