Do you have a habit of biting your nails under the slightest stress or to pass the time? Get rid of this nasty habit because in addition to being unsightly, it could cause damage to your health in the long term.
In any case, this is what the members of the American Academy of Dermatology reveal.
Biting your nails makes you vulnerable to infections
Chronic nail biting can create serious problems, says Margaret E. Parsons, dermatologist and Academy member. In addition to exposing the skin around the nail and making it painful, biting it fingernails can damage the tissues that allow the fingernails to grow back.
Their appearance therefore becomes strange on regrowth. The subject also becomes vulnerable to infections, in particular due to the transfer of bacteria and virus from mouth to hand “.
Tips for growing your nails
For stop biting your nails and thus, to avoid contracting infections, the members of the American Academy of Dermatology deliver their advice.
“To grow your nails, you have to start by cutting them very short to reduce the temptation to bite them,” says Dr. Parsons. According to her, it is important to apply a bitter-tasting varnish because many of those who suffer from this habit do not need a very long fingernail to perform this ritual.
From manicures frequent are also recommended in order to display nails too beautiful to be eaten away. Men and women who are not adept at this care can use gloves or tape to reduce the temptation.
If the urge to eat fingernails occurs in cases of anxiety, the use of a stress ball can also serve as a stress reliever.
Dr Parsons recommends taking it in stages. “Start with the thumbs, then gradually add the other fingers until the habit is completely gone.” If you’re making slow progress, that’s okay.
Biting your nails: a sign of a psychological problem
A reflection on the origin of this desire must also be carried out. In some, it will be a reflex due to stress or boredom, and in others, it will be just breaking nails and cuticles for fun.
“In some people, biting their nails may be a sign of a deeper psychological or emotional problem,” says Dr. Parsons. “If you’ve tried to quit for a long time and the problem persists, you should see a doctor. develop an infection of the skin or the nail, see a dermatologist. “
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