HEALTH

How to stop biting your nails?

Continuous nail gnawing can lead to infection and damage to the cuticles, causing pain and irritation. 

It is important to try to break this nasty habit for the sake of the health and appearance of your nails. There are several strategies you can try, such as wearing fake nails or regular manicures to keep your nails looking their best, and finding healthy alternatives to manage stress and frustrations, such as yoga or physical activities.

Here are some of our tips for overcoming this addiction.

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Let's stop biting our nails
Continuous nail gnawing can lead to infection and damage to the cuticles, causing pain and irritation. It is important to try to break this nasty habit for the sake of the health and appearance of your nails. There are several strategies you can try, such as wearing fake nails or regular manicures to keep your nails looking their best, and finding healthy alternatives to manage stress and frustrations, such as yoga or physical activities. Here are some of our tips for overcoming this addiction.
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Possible risks
Biting the nails and the skin around them can cause bleeding and injuries, but above all it increases the risk of infections that can spread to the mouth, teeth and, over time, can even deform the fingers.
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Having a strategy
If you have decided to stop eating your nails, you must have a strategy to break this vicious circle. It will not be easy, but it is important to act with determination.
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Identify when it happens to you
Identifying the triggering factors is the first step to understanding why, without realising it, you are inclined to bring your hands to your mouth and bite them. These factors may be related to moments of stress, boredom, anxiety or a simple nervous habit. Understanding the causes of this behaviour will help you understand the underlying mechanism and try to change it.
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Keep nails short and well groomed
To prevent the habit of nail biting, it is advisable to keep your nails short and well-groomed. Cutting them regularly and filing them helps to keep them tidy and diminish the urge to eat them, as you will have less desire and fewer chances to do so.
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Appropriate enamels
Thanks to special nail polishes, you can easily avoid biting your nails. These nail polishes have an incredible bitter taste that, as soon as you perceive it, will make you desist from your intention. You will no longer have to worry about damaging your nails, as the bitterness of these nail polishes will convince you to stop biting.
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A nail polish to protect nails
It may also be helpful to wear a transparent nail polish, preferably strengthening, or coloured, to protect your manicure. This may help you resist the urge to ruin your nails.
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Nail Reconstruction
Nail enhancement is now so natural that it almost goes unnoticed, allowing you to grow your natural nails smoothly, while still keeping your hands well-groomed.
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Give yourself time and small goals
To achieve the goal of stopping nail biting, it is important to follow a step-by-step approach. Some people manage to stop suddenly, but others need time and small goals. It is essential to give yourself time to give up this habit, especially if it has been present for a long time.
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Specialist examination
Talking to a mental health specialist can provide an understanding of the roots of onychophagia and offer strategies to overcome such addiction. Don't forget that your overall health and well-being is paramount, so do everything you can to take care of yourself.
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