If 2020 has taught us something, it’s a crash course in correct hand hygiene. Earlier than this 12 months, many people thought we have been dealing with our arms and fingers like professionals, however, let’s face it, many people had lower than very best habits. Perhaps you skimped on the 20-second handwashing rule, or possibly you had clear arms however used them to the touch your face and rub your eyes consistently. And there are those that, attempt as we would, cannot determine how one can cease biting our nails.
For those who’re (like me) among the many nail-biting individuals of the world, you then’ve in all probability found the next: Nail biting doesn’t cease simply because we would like it to. My guess? Regardless that the stakes are excessive given the brand new coronavirus pandemic, many people are in all probability having a tricky time avoiding nibbling away at our nubby nails infrequently. You’re not alone. Approach earlier than the brand new coronavirus was disrupting our lives, author Emily Rekstis tried just a few frequent hacks to see if she might break herself of the behavior. You’ll discover these ideas under. However earlier than we get into that, let’s run via just a few fundamentals, lets?
Why do individuals chunk their nails?
You may not know this, however nail biting falls below an inventory of behaviors often known as body-focused repetitive problems (or BFRDs), that are these little habits we’ve (suppose hair pulling or pores and skin choosing) that, when executed typically sufficient, may cause hurt. As SELF beforehand reported, it’s not totally clear why some individuals have BFRDs, however there are recognized triggers. SELF beforehand reported that these triggers fall into 5 predominant classes: There are sensory triggers, which is perhaps something that evokes the senses (style, contact, sight, odor, or listening to). It’s possible you’ll be triggered by sure ideas or beliefs (these are referred to as cognitive triggers). You possibly can chunk your nails while you face one thing referred to as a motor set off, which includes postures and actions that you just make (and may not even concentrate on). Even sure locations may make your nail nibbling extra prevalent (these are referred to as setting triggers).
Is nail biting really that dangerous?
Right here’s the factor: Some viruses dwell on surfaces and after we contact these spots (like doorknobs or subway rails) after which contact our eyes, nostril, or mouths, we run the chance of serving to these germs get into our our bodies, Philip Tierno, Ph.D., microbiologist and medical professor of pathology at NYU Langone, beforehand advised SELF. It’s not a on condition that biting your nails will make you sick extra ceaselessly than those that don’t, however placing your fingers in your mouth isn’t doing all your immune system any favors.
However even in the event you’re not eager about germs, biting your fingernails may trigger harm to your nail mattress, the Mayo Clinic explains. This may go away tiny cuts that put you at higher threat for micro organism and fungus to hang around and trigger infections, the Mayo Clinic says. Biting your fingernails may probably harm your tooth, in keeping with the Mayo Clinic. All of which means it’s finest to maintain your fingernails out of your mouth. So, how one can do that you could be surprise?
There are issues you are able to do that will help you cease biting your nails.
It is perhaps potential for some individuals to go chilly turkey, however many individuals will want some methods to information them. The information from the American Academy of Dermatology Affiliation (AADA) are an ideal place to start out. They provide a mixture of sensible methods in addition to psychological workout routines that may enable you. For instance, among the many methods advisable by the AADA are figuring out your nail-biting triggers, conserving your nails clipped quick, and taking a gradual method (as in, simply work on stopping biting one fingernail at a time). The AADA additionally explains that nail biting is perhaps an indication of emotional or psychological misery. So in the event you’ve tried to cease biting your nails and might’t, there’s no hurt in contacting your physician to debate your issues. And in the event you develop an an infection from nail biting, a dermatologist or different healthcare supplier may also help you deal with it, the AADA says.
Right here’s what occurred when Emily Rekstis tried to interrupt her nail-biting behavior. Right here’s what she stated:
Biting your nails is a horrible behavior, one which I can’t appear to knock. I turned to the web and talked to consultants to search out one of the best hacks that can hopefully assist me break my behavior. Here is how my little experiment went:
1. I dipped my nails in salt.
