If you've ever bitten your nails, you know that nagging itch that pulls your fingers to your mouth. It's often an unconscious habit, hard to resist despite your best efforts. Yet, experts from the American Academy of Dermatology warn of serious long-term damage. Whether you're a chronic biter or just starting, here are their reliable strategies.
Dermatologist Margaret E. Parsons explains, "Chronic nail biting can create serious problems. Besides exposing the skin around the nail and making it painful, biting your nails can damage the tissues that allow the nails to grow back. Their appearance therefore becomes strange with regrowth. The subject also becomes vulnerable to infections, particularly due to the transfer of bacteria and viruses from the mouth to the hand."
One of the most common tricks is to apply bitter polish. Bitterness should act as a foil. You may fall for the trap the first few times, but hopefully you'll end up creating new reflexes.
The unfortunate look of nail biting doesn't really encourage you to quit, especially since it eventually becomes completely normal. Dr. Parsons recommends getting a nice manicure regularly to change that perception. We dare less to attack beautiful nails nicely varnished.
If it is difficult for you to quit completely. You can decide to spare one or two nails at a time and progress until the habit is gone. When it gets unbearable, you can let off steam on a stress ball.
Thinking about what triggers the urge to bite your nails can be very helpful. For some it's the simple sight of broken nails while for others it's boredom, stress or anxiety. Dr Parsons advises:"If you have been trying to quit for a long time and the problem persists, see a doctor. If you develop a skin or nail infection, see a dermatologist."
With a little perseverance, your nails will finally see the light of day!
Source:Relax News
