How to Get Rid of a Nail Biting Disorder
Nail biting is a very common disorder that can affect almost anyone. This includes both males and females, children, teens and adults. Nail biting disorder involves frequent chewing of the nails, the cuticles and the skin around the nails. Most individuals who bite their nails do so subconsciously. Although nail biting may seem like a harmless habit, the disorder should be addresses as soon as it discovered. Some nail biters will eventually stop biting their nails. However, there are several methods available to help those who find it more difficult to break the habit.
Instructions
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Identify and resolve any sources of stress. Nail biting disorder develops primarily as a response to stress or anxiety. This is especially true for children. Addressing any stress, fear, or anxiety may help some individuals to stop biting their nails. If it is not possible to completely resolve the issue right away, talking to someone about it may also help.
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Maintain the appearance of your nails. Over time, nail biting disorder can cause nails to become misshapen. Nails that are well-maintained and groomed however, may discourage some individuals from disfiguring them. Keep the nails neatly trimmed and filed. Clip off any hang nails that may encourage nail biting.
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Replace nail biting with another action. Each time nail biting occurs, fight the urge by engaging in another activity. Although it may require some will power, a replacement activity that involves the hands (such as squeezing a stress ball)may distract some from biting their nails.
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Try using products that are designed to help stop nail biting. Sometimes will power is not enough to make an individual stop biting their nails. Many retailers sell products that have a bad taste and that can be applied to the nails to help discourage the habit. Some of these products also have ingredients that are good for the nails to help repair some of the damage.
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Wear gloves if necessary. Some individuals with severe cases of nail biting disorder may find it very difficult to break the habit. In such instances, wearing gloves over the hands to prevent access to the nails may help these individuals to slowly get rid of their nail biting disorder.
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Tips & Warnings
Ask those around you for help. Those who do not notice when they bite their nails can ask a family member, friend or co-worker to inform them each time the biting begins.
If not properly addressed, severe cases of nail biting disorder may cause some individuals to bite their nails until they begin to bleed. Nail biting disorder can cause infections to develop on the nails or in the mouth.
