How to get rid of the bad habit of biting nails

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

Cause nail biting

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

Many scientists say with confidence that heredity still plays a role here. This habit can be transmitted genetically. If you have a nail bite in your childhood, then surely your children will do the same. Perhaps the body is not enough keratin. If you bite a piece of the nail, chew it, it may mean that in this way you are trying to replenish the stock of the 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 blood. The fragility of nails in many people leads to this habit. A nail that has exfoliated is easier to bite off than to trim.

What are the consequences of the habit of gnawing nails

The childish habit of gnawing nails, at first glance, seems to be absolutely harmless. It can not be compared with smoking or alcoholism. But it can lead to unpleasant consequences:

1. First, since bacteria accumulate under the nails, it is not so difficult to make intestinal diseases.
2. Secondly, nail biting can damage the skin, and the risk of catching an infection is too high. There may also be suppuration and inflammation.
3. Hands of a person with gnawed nails do not look so beautiful. There is also the possibility of deformation, which is not easy to fix with a manicure.
4. It is unpleasant to watch a man who constantly bites his nails. There might be problems on the robot. If an employee bites his nails, it means that he is nervous, not confident in himself, he cannot be relied on.Then the question of climbing the career ladder does not arise. For example, in school there is a reason for ridicule for schoolchildren if the student has unkempt nails.

How to stop biting your nails

Everyone who suffers from this, was thinking about the question of how to get rid of an ugly habit. It takes a lot of effort, but the result is worth it - healthy and neat nails. One of the effective methods of struggle is bitter varnish. He has not very pleasant taste. You will not be able to hold your fingers in the 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 to fight psychologically. If you have internal problems, it is better to contact a specialist. A psychologist will help solve some of them. If we are talking about a child or teenager, then you should not blame or humiliate him for it. You need to talk to him, listen and help deal with difficulties. It should also teach the child to constantly care for their nails.

You need to try to switch attention to something else, if you notice that the hands are drawn to the mouth.For example, eat a nut or raisin. Some say that as an option, you need to chew a toothpick. With a shortage of carotene, you should add to your diet lean meats (lamb, beef, rabbit), as well as dairy products.

It is also worth doing to strengthen the nail plate, if you gnaw them because of the brittleness of these. It is necessary to do various salt baths with calcium and other trace elements, which after some time will lead to a result. It is also recommended to carry a nail file with you to trim off a broken 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. Whose hand reaches out to the mouth, to make a small remark.

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

Ways to get rid of the unpleasant habit of a lot. The most important thing is to want to have a little patience and willpower. Should understand yourself. As they say, the external reflects the internal. After a while you will notice that your nails become healthy, they look beautiful.Then there will be no reason to return to the inveterate habit.

Video: how to stop biting your nails