Is it just a bad habit?

Nail biting is a common bad habit in young children, and in some cases, it can even occur in adults. If someone's nail biting becomes more frequent and affects their health, is it simply a bad habit or a symptom of some kind of mental disorder?

On October 11th, Dr. Vo Thi Ngoc Thu, a specialist in Neurology at Nam Saigon International General Hospital, stated that nail-biting addiction can be considered a bad habit or self-harming behavior, often occurring when we feel bored, stressed, or anxious. If nail biting becomes frequent and affects daily life, it is considered a form of repetitive bodily-centered behavior disorder (a mental disorder).

Repetitive body-focused behavior disorders have many causes, including complications of anxiety disorders, stress, or possibly a reaction to conflicting situations or life pressures. It can also have a genetic component and may occur alongside other mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder or conflict control disorder. However, nail-biting addiction is not always related to a mental disorder.

Here are some signs that can help us distinguish nail-biting from a mental disorder:

Nail biting : This often occurs when people feel stressed or anxious, and may be a habit from childhood. Nail biting does not cause other psychological symptoms such as depression, insomnia, or negative thoughts.

Mental disorders: Recognizable signs include sleep disturbances, lethargy, mood swings, excessive anxiety, and negative thinking. These may be related to psychological disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, or affective disorder. Nail biting due to a mental disorder can severely impact quality of life and requires treatment.

To determine the correct cause of nail-biting addiction, patients should consult a doctor at a medical facility for advice.

Nail biting addiction can cause tissue damage in the fingers.

The harmful effects of nail biting and some ways to prevent it.

Constant nail biting can cause several short-term problems, including dental issues such as crooked or chipped teeth, and fungal nail infections. Oral problems include jaw pain and soft tissue injuries, skin infections, and tissue damage to the fingers, nails, and cuticles. Additionally, bacteria and viruses can survive on the surface of fingernails and fingers for hours, so putting your hands in your mouth exposes your body to viruses that cause colds, flu, and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Many home remedies can be used to help prevent nail biting, such as using a mouthguard, applying bitter-tasting nail polish, keeping nails short, or using the traditional method of applying bitter oil to the nails. Try wearing gloves at night or when alone to avoid biting your nails. Instead of biting your nails, replace this habit with chewing gum or your favorite candy.

If you have tried many methods and made numerous attempts to break the habit of biting your nails but without success, you should consult a doctor.

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