obsessive nail biting

[mon567]

ever since i was little ive biten my nails. in the past year ive gone from biting them when im nervous or bored to hacking at the nail and the skin around them with nail clippers and even scaples. whats wrong with me. i often cant stop until it hurts and there bleeding... what could this be caused by?

[jagster]

I do the same thing mon. I don't ever bite my nails, but I bite the cuticles. I have tried to stop a countless number of times. I came to the conclusion after analyzing what reward the habit gave me (since our brain probably does things to its benefits) that its a security habit. The pain given keeps my mind occupied, and provides comfort (much like kids who carry around a blanket with them all the time). The only real way to stop is to be conscious of what you're doing. Some will put a rubber band on their wrist and snap it whenever they start biting. Try it out.

[susieq87]

I feel it is caused by nerves or anxiety and manifests into nail biting.  If it is a problem, see a doctor for help and move into the solution.