Biting skin on fingers

[LauraChall]

I am a 31 year old female and for at least 20years (possibly longer) I have been biting the skin around my fingers.  I used to bite my nails but managed to stop that habit.

I bite the skin until it bleeds and on my thumbs right down to my knuckles.  It is very painful and looks unsightly but I cannot stop doing it. Do you have any suggestions on why I maybe doing this and how I can stop and if there is anything I can use.

Many thanks

[ARINNMIMS]

A related discussion, I cant stop biting my skin was started.

[HazelLynn]

Hi, try putting nail biting varnish on, or piri piri.  My kids sometimes do the same, and I am so worried about all the germs that they may be transmitting to their system, that I put the varnish on and it stops them whilst its on.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It is likely this behavior began as a means of stress/tension reduction and developed into a habit pattern. You can stop it via a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and perhaps medication. This Forum addresses child issues, but you should post your question in the Mental Health Forum for additional guidance.