Extreme Nail Biting Problem

[smartin91]

I have a nail biting problem.

My nails are chewed down past my fingertips. My ring fingernails are shortest, at about an eight of an inch long. The skin where my nails used to be is scarred and ugly. Despite the intense pain and bleeding, I can't stop biting my nails. When I can't get a grip on the nail with my teeth, I find myself picking at them with a knife, nail clippers, pencil, or whatever's on hand.

I've tried nail polish. I ended up picking it off and then chewing as usual, all without even thinking about what I was doing. I tried bad tasting stuff, but I chew anyway, ignoring the bad taste, again without thought. I've even tried gloves, but I end up taking them off almost immediately, as I need absolute precision for my career- I'm an artist.

I've also been through some other supposed cures. I had braces for two years; rather than making it harder for me to chew, I ended up just picking more effectively at my nails with the metal brackets. The same can be said for the retainer I now wear. I've tried replacing my habit with something else, like gum chewing, but I find myself still chewing my nails even when the gum is in my mouth.

I know exactly why I bite my nails. It isn't because I'm anxious, and it isn't a leftover habit from finger sucking, which I never did. I do it because I can't stand my nails to be at all uneven or sharp. If I develop a hangnail, I pick at it because it's an aberration. So i bite and bite, trying to even things out. But then the leading edge of my nail will get sharp or cracked, and I bite it back and scrape it smooth with my teeth, often causing more aberrations in the smoothness of the nail. It hurts like a mother, and it bleeds hideously, but I barely notice when I'm chewing my nails. And that's why nothing works. I don't realize I'm biting my nails until after the fact.

Don't get me wrong, I am VERY embarrassed by this habit, and always have been. I used to say I broke my nails playing with my dogs, or they got smashed in the door, and other things like that. More recently I've just been fessing up, but it still hurts and humiliated me to see people cringing at the sight of my hands. I was too embarrassed to get my nails done for prom, because I barely have any. I hate people watching me draw and sculpt, because they'll be focused on my hands. I sit with my hands curled into fists, so my nails are hidden. Nail biting is like alcoholism for me. Everybody knows I do it, I'm extremely embarrassed about it, but there's nothing I can do to quit. I'm too embarrassed even to go to a doctor about it, and WAY too embarrassed to go to a hypnotist. Also, there's the fact that I'm strapped for cash, and couldn't afford it anyway.

And so, I'm coming here for help. Is there anything I can do to try and kick this habit? I'm convinced that if I can grow them out and keep them tidy, I can stop my nail biting, but it's impossible for me as things stand right now. Please help!

[April2]

My teenage daughter noticed this as well. When she got the artificial nails for a special dance she didn't chew her nails the whole time she had them on. Of course, the artificial nails do damage and weaken your own nails, especially long term, but it's worth a try. It can at least get you out out of the habit so that when you do stop wearing the artificial nails, you won't bite your own anymore! Give it a try, can't hurt!

[Lynne2206]

extreme nail biting is actually a real disease with a name and everything. its called "Onychophagia". u can google that and u will get tons of advice on it and how to deal with it.

the only reason i know this is because i am in the process of getting my medical degree for pediatric diagnostics and we just talked about it n one of my classes thanks to my question about my sister who bites her nails just as bad as you have explained.

also, something maybe to try if u havent, my sister gets the artificial nails put on now and it helps her. she said theres something about having them on and feeling that something is there that makes her stop herself from chewing on her nails. maybe its because the nail tech does everything to make sure they are even and everything so u know theres nothing for u to worry about if its the unevenness that annoys u.

I hope something ive said will help.

[knapsttub]

I used to bite my nails for the exact same reason and in the exact same way. I wouldn't realize what I was doing until I was bleeding. For me it began when I was about six, after watching Scooby Doo do it. Then it progressively got worse. It was like I had OCD. The moment I felt a point or rough edge I would chew my nails down to bloody stumps. I haven't completely stopped biting my nails but I have been able to stop hurting myself. I'd set a goal of no nail biting for a day, then another and another. After a while I'd be able to go weeks without biting. Also, I bought a little nail clipper and a fine nail file and wore it around my wrist on a chain. I'd also keep a piece of jewelers sand paper in my wallet. Keeping the clipper and file handy really helped A LOT. Like  I said before, I havent stopped biting them all together but I am able to control myself now. Sharp edges and lopsided nails still annoy the beans out of me but I think I have it handled. My nails have even begun to take a more "normal" shape now. I hope some of this helps. We should have something like "Nail Biters Anonymous" lol... Good luck and I hope you're able to get your nail biting under control soon. ;)

[sibsitter911]

dear smartin, I bite my nails as well... well at least I used to. As far as I recall I haven't bit my nails in a few months now. I have no idea why I bit my nails, but I do know that it drove me crazy. My dad would lightly smack my hand whenever he saw me biting.:) have someone hold you accountable. Whenever you're around them and they see you biting have them stop you (not by smacking u but maybe telling you or something else :]) I always just thought about the fact that biting your nails could give you worms and that it is truly disgusting because u put your hands on anything and everything and then in your mouth. I also prayed tht God would help me stop. Another thing you can do is have someone treat you to a manicure if you don't bite your nails for a week. Maybe it's just me but I never wanted to ruin my manicure when someone else had paid for it. And if tht won't work pay for it yourself, a lot of times we only appreciate things when we sacrificed something for them. So if you sacrifice your money for a manicure, you should be willing to keep them looking nice. Keep a nail file around you always to smooth them out and have them not look jagged. Just don't file too much.

Hope this helps,
sibsitter911

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