Nail biting is a nervous habit affecting people of all ages. Also known as onychophagia, nail biting is not a serious condition unless the biting affects the nail's cuticle or serious infection is present. Nail biting occurs more often in boys than girls. The habit is often outgrown in young adult years; however, up to 29 percent of young adults continue to bite their nails, according to steadyhealth.com. The biting usually disappears in late adult years with only five percent of the adult population affected. There are a variety of remedies to discourage nail biting habits.
Manicure
Keep nails polished and manicured to discourage nail biting. Keep a nail file and clippers with you to groom nails on the go. Allowing nails to look attractive may be the simple deterrent a person needs to stop the habit.
Cover Nails
Wear gloves on your hands to discourage nail biting. Cover the tips of your fingers with band aids so access to the nails is more difficult.
Stress Reduction
Discover additional ways to reduce stress. Use items that will keep your hands and mind occupied. Squeeze a rubber ball when you feel anxious or nervous. Knead a piece of clay in your hands or snap a rubber-band ball.
Stress Journal
Identify stress factors. Keep a journal to write down every time you have the urge to bite your nails. Describe what situations were occurring and your thoughts.
Bitter Polishes
Apply a bitter polish to the nails made specifically for nail biters. Look for polishes at your local pharmacy or online. Ingredients include cayenne powder extract and citric acid according to, mothernature.com. The polishes can also be used for thumb sucking. The unpleasant taste will discourage a person from placing their fingers and nails into the mouth. Understand that the polish will also give finger foods a bitter taste.
Rubber Band
Wear a rubber band around your wrist, suggests steadyhealth.com. Explain to friends and family you are attempting to not bite your nails. Ask them to snap the rubber band if they see you continuing the habit.
See a Doctor
According to steadyhealth.com, some habits such as nail biting can be successfully treated by taking antidepressant medication. Medications commonly used include clomipramine, fluoxetine and sertraline. A variety of anti-psychotic medications have also been prescribed successfully. Ask your doctor about habit-reversal training and stimulus control--both methods used to treat the cause of nail biting and not simply treat the habit.
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