Nail-biting can lead to more than just unsightly nails, according to the book "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing," but also infection. According to the book "Abnormal Psychology," nail-biting in men often starts as a manifestation of anxiety and transforms into a long-lived habit. Regardless of how long the man you care about has been biting his nails, "Changepower!: 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success," reassures that it is possible to break bad habits.
Step 1
Encourage the man to take care of his hands and nails by moisturizing them daily with cocoa butter. According to "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing," the cocoa butter will moisturize his skin, nails and cuticles. Additionally, the cocoa butter will serve as a deterrent from nail biting because it has an unpleasant taste.
Step 2
Remind the man to stop biting his nails when you see him doing it. According to "Changepower!: 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success," many habits, such as nail-biting, have become second nature and occur without the knowledge of the man. Reminding the man to cease biting his nails will bring his attention to the fact that he is biting his nails and allow him the opportunity to redirect his behavior.
Step 3
Encourage the man to chew gum. According to "Abnormal Psychology," many nail biters are unable to stop biting their nails without keeping their mouths occupied. Chewing gum allows the man to keep continue to keep his mouth busy, but instead of biting his nails he can keep his teeth busy chewing gum.
Step 4
Suggest the man see a psychotherapist if he finds himself growing anxious without nail biting. "Abnormal Psychology," mentions that men who started to bite their nails due to anxiety may experience an increased level of anxiety if they suddenly stop nail biting. This increased level of anxiety often leads to additional nail-biting if left untreated.
Things You'll Need
- Cocoa butter
- Chewing gum
References
- "Foundations and Adult Health Nursing"; Barbara Christensen; 2006
- "Abnormal Psychology"; Ronald J. Comer; 2009
- "Changepower!: 37 Secrets to Habit Change Success"; Meg Selig; 2010
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