All over the globe nail 

biting afflicts millions 

of people. Chronic 

onychophagia or ‘nail 

biting' as it's commonly 

known is the habit of 

biting the nail and 

surrounding skin. So 

first, let's take a look 

at common causes of nail 

biting.

Nail biting is a nervous 

habit occurring under a 

number of circumstances 

such as:

• stress
• anxiety
• boredom.
• inactivity

Many suggest that nail biting 

can be linked to emotional or 

mental disorder. Freud's theory 

was nail biting was a symptom 

of oral fixation. In rare cases, 

others say, OCD may be the cause. 

In this article we detail some 

commonly overlooked methods to break the habit, the safest 

ways to do it. 

Acrylic Nails

A lot of women use acrylic nails as a way to try to stop 

nail biting. But is it healthy? According to one source, 

acrylics may only make the problem worse. Why, you may ask. 

The reason being your hands get dirty. 

This is how diseases are transferred to your mouth causing 

gum disease, infections of the mouth and gums as well as 

posing numerous health risks. When infection gets under the 

nail, the nail becomes infected. More so in nail biters 

because they break the natural barrier by biting their nails. 

Acrylic nails trap moisture and fungi. The former is needed 

for the latter to thrive. Can you see where this is going? 

To prevent infection or making a bad situation worse do the 

following:

• if you have sign of infection already do not get the acrylic or plastic nails. Immediately see a doctor.
• Make sure your nail technician sterilizes their equipment before they work on your nails.
• Make sure the nail and surrounding area is completely dry before applying the acrylic.

Hypnosis & Psychiatry 

While this is extreme in some cases of nail biting 

consider if your habit is a symptom of an emotional 

disorder possibly brought on due to stress or anxiety. 

Keep in mind that nail biting is considered a symptom

of oral fixation, emotional disorder and mental 

disorder.

Stress Management

If you have been experiencing stress and you're 

not usually a nail biter, consider taking stress 

management classes before it gets to be too bad. 

Talk to friends and family about issues you have 

been experiencing. 

Parents may want to ask their children if they 

have been under abnormal stress if nail biting is 

not something your child normally does. Pay more 

attention during times of loss, divorces, or other 

traumatic events. 

Magnesium & Calcium Supplement Tablets

You may lack calcium and magnesium. This 

is a legitimate cause of nail biting. Eat 

foods rich in magnesium and calcium or 

take tablets as a dietary supplement. 

Stress Balls & Hand Focused Activities

Last but not lease is the stress ball. 

Medicine balls and stress balls comfortably 

fit in your hand and allow you to squeeze it. 

This has been used for years to focus anxiety 

& stress on to something else. Nail biting 

usually translates to a form of fidgeting. 

Stress balls are a more acceptable form of 

fidgeting.

In the end whatever method works for you is 

essentially the best method. It is a nasty habit 

that may lead to illness in the long run. But you 

are not alone and there are ways to stop.

Resources:

Onychophagia

www.onychophagia.com/

Stop Nail Biting

www.stopnailbiting.net/