Nail Biting is a common problem that most individuals have dealt with at some point in their life. Nail biting is just one nervous habit among hair pulling, thumb sucking and nose picking.

Nail biting is a habit that often develops during childhood and according to WebMD “Up to 60% of children and 45% of teenagers bite their nails, according to studies. Nail biting becomes less common after age 18, but it can continue into adulthood. “ Nail biting is a habit that many individuals do without even realizing, and nail biting can range from a mild habit to a more serious problem. People who bite their nails may also bite their cuticles and cause additional harm to their hands.

Nail biting is most commonly done due to frustration, loneliness, heredity and poorly manicured nails. According to Web MD “Biting fingernails can also be a symptom of a psychological condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Many children who are nail biters also have other psychiatric disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), separation anxiety disorder, or bed-wetting. Regular nail biting that causes severe damage to the nail and surrounding skin can be considered a form of self-mutilation, similar to cutting and related behaviors. “

Sometimes kids, teenagers or adults can grow out of this habit; but if not. there are many different treatments for people who continue to bite their nails. You can try putting on a bitter-tasting nail biting polish, painting your nails with a pretty color, keeping your nails well manicured or by trying other techniques to relieve your stress. If none of these treatments work and if you suspect nail biting is a sign of a more serious psychological problem, you should seek the attention of a counselor.

For more information, contact Solace Counseling. We can help you or a loved one with a customized treatment plan. Also, be sure to look for us on Facebook and Twitter.