How to get rid of the bad habit of biting your nails

The habit of biting nails (or the medical name for the disease, onychophagia) is known to each of us. It is gaining popularity precisely among children and adolescents, as these categories are less emotionally protected. I must say that a large number of adults can not get rid of this inveterate habit.

Causes of nail biting habits

One of the main reasons is stress. In different situations with psychological stress, children mostly begin to bite their nails. They respond that it is easier to think, or it helps them to relax.

Many scientists say with certainty that heredity still plays a role. This habit can be transmitted genetically. If you bite your nails in childhood, then your children will probably do the same. Perhaps the body lacks keratin. If you chew on a piece of a nail, it may mean that in this way you are trying to replenish the supply of this substance. Internal aggression will also be one of the main reasons. If a person is dissatisfied with himself, constantly blames himself, and at the same time he has low self-esteem, he will hurt himself by biting his nails to the point of blood. Fragility of nails in many people leads to this habit. A nail that peels off is easier to bite off than to clip.

What are the consequences of biting your nails

At first glance, the children's habit of biting nails seems completely harmless. You can not compare it with smoking or alcoholism. But it can lead to unpleasant consequences:

1. Firstly, since bacteria accumulate under the nails, it is not so difficult to make intestinal diseases.
2. Secondly, biting nails can cause skin damage, and the risk of catching an infection is too high. There may also be suppuration and inflammation.
3. The hands of a man with nibbled nails do not look so pretty. There is also the possibility of deformation, which is not easy to fix with a manicure.
4. It’s unpleasant to watch a man who constantly bites his nails. There may be problems on the robot. If an employee bites his nails, it means he is nervous, not confident in himself, you can not rely on him. Then the question of climbing the career ladder does not arise. For example, at school there is a reason for ridicule for schoolchildren if the student has untidy nails.

How to stop biting your nails

Everyone who suffers from this thought about the question of how to get rid of an ugly habit. You need to make a lot of effort, but the result is worth it - healthy and neat nails. One of the effective methods of struggle is a bitter varnish. It has a not very pleasant taste. You cannot hold your fingers in your mouth for a long time. Varnish is more suitable for adults, for children there are different ointments. An alternative may also be soap or spices.

You also need to start fighting psychologically. If you have internal problems, it is better to consult a specialist. A psychologist will help to solve some of them. If we are talking about a child or teenager, then do not scold, or humiliate him for it. You need to talk with him, listen and help deal with difficulties. You should also teach your child to constantly take care of his nails.

You should try to switch your attention to something else if you notice that your hands are reaching out to your mouth. For example, eat nuts or raisins. Some say that as an option, you need to gnaw a toothpick. With a lack of carotene, lean meats (lamb, beef, rabbit), as well as dairy products, should be added to your diet.

It is also worthwhile to work on strengthening the nail plate, if you bite them because of the fragility thereof.It is necessary to make various salt baths with calcium and other trace elements, which after some time will lead to the result. It is also recommended to carry a nail file to trim the broken off nail.

If your children bite their nails, and you do this too, you should start with yourself. You can come up with a game for everyone. Whoever reaches out to his mouth should make a small remark.

For women, there is another option for the struggle - to make an expensive manicure. Then there will be no desire to bite your nails, thereby spoiling the beauty.

Ways to get rid of a lot of unpleasant habits. Most importantly, you need to want to have a little patience and willpower. You should understand yourself. As they say, the external reflects the internal. After a while, you will notice that your nails become healthy, look beautiful. Then there will be no reason to return to an avid habit.

Video: how to stop biting your nails