Different Ways to Stop Nail Biting

Nail biting's official name is onychophagia, and it can be considered a form of obsessive compulsive disorder. Like many habits, the cause of nail biting can vary in each individual. Some people may do it to calm down, while others may do it out of boredom. The different causes mean that treatment can sometimes be difficult, and what works for some may not work for others.

Commercial Treatments and Medications

• Many pharmacies sell treatments for nail biting. These are typically a liquid that is painted onto the fingernails. These treatments have a strong and bitter taste that is intended to deter the person from biting his nails. Some people continue biting their nails despite the taste, and as such, this method still requires willpower. It is most effective if used as a reminder so that you do not find yourself unconsciously biting your nails.

  In the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder causing the nail biting, medications such as SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, may be used. This is not used often if nail biting is the only problematic symptom and should only be considered a last resort. Even during the course of the medication, other solutions should be considered.

Homemade Methods

• There are many techniques that involve replacing the habit or creating an adverse reaction to it. One example is using a rubber band. Put a rubber band around your wrist, and any time you realize that your finger is near your mouth, snap the rubber band against your wrist. This can be effective when using commercial treatments so that you never bite your nails without realizing. Another homemade technique to stop nail biting is to keep a single grain of rice in your mouth. This can often replace the nail biting habit and will satisfy the urge to fidget.

Therapy

• A few therapies that may be effective against onychophagia. These are similar to the therapies used for obsessive-compulsive disorder. These therapies may depend on the cause of the nail biting habit, however. For example, if you bite your nails due to stress, then relaxation may prove beneficial. If you are not stressed, however, then relaxation may have no benefit in beating the habit. Some therapies simply replace nail biting with another habit such as chewing gum.