We all have our own “habits” when it comes to dealing with stress, anxiety and boredom. Some of us tap our fingers, click a pen, play with our hair or bite our nails. The problems with nail biting are the dangers associated with it. Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, not only creates an unflattering appearance but can spark an array of medical and dental issues. It can cause inflammation to the skin around your nails and damage your teeth.  It also increases the risk of infections and colds by spreading germs from your fingers to your mouth, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nail biting can also cause emotional damage. It can create feelings of embarrassment and anxiety.

If you find yourself biting your nails, you’re not alone. Just ask Amber Allen, Nail Lead at ESSENTIALS 5 STAR MEDISPA. She says, “We see people that bite their nails more often than we should.” She’s right. Nail biting affects millions of Americans. According to the TLC Foundation, 20-30% of the population are habitual nail biters. Amber says you can always tell when someone bites their nails by the way they look, they’re red and irritated. She says she always discusses with her clients the dangers associated with nail biting and tries to help find the cause.”I always ask if they have bit their nails since they were little or if they’re under a lot of stress. For some people it’s a habit and they’ve done it since they were kids, so it’s hard to stop. For others, they do it when they are stressed or bored.” This is why the medical world considers nail biting an unsolved medical problem, they can’t figure out the direct cause. Many medical professionals feel that nail biting could also be connected to obsessive compulsive disorders, according to the US National Library of Medicine.

So what can be done to break this habit? Amber says, she always recommends getting manicures every 2-3 weeks. “We can still perform the manicure if a person bites their nails, we have to be careful if it’s irritated.” She notes that, if they have open sores she recommends putting Neosporin on them and avoiding that area until it heals. “Having well-maintained nails makes people more likely to stop biting and keep their hands looking healthy. Whether people get a regular polish, gel polish or even just a buff and shine. It makes a difference.  Amber also recommends the solar oil that is sold in the Essentials Boutique. “If they use the oil at least once to twice a day it moisturizes the nails and cuticles to eliminate hang nails, so there’s less to bite on.” She also suggests a paraffin hand treatment that is infused with lavender that soothes sore hands and really moisturizes their hands and nails. She recommends OPI Nail Envy polish that helps to strengthen nails. This is great for those looking to grow them longer.

Another option to consider is a bitter polish. There are several options. Mavala Switzerland makes a great nail polish that helps prevent biting. It’s a clear coat that has a slight bitter taste to help discourage biting. It’s safe for both children and adults. Use it alone or over your favorite color. You can find it at Walmart or Amazon.com. If you still find your hands restless, keep them busy with something else. Try a stress ball, chew some gum, or click a pen (as long as no one is around you). It’s most important though to find out what is triggering it. Think about how you feel and what you are doing before you start biting your nails. If you can figure this out you can work on other solutions to help you deal with it. If it’s stress; consider massages, meditation, and joining a Wellness Program. All of these stress relieving options are available at ESSENTIALS MEDISPA.

Amber feels that if a nail biter gets used to their hands not hurting and looking beautiful, they will keep up on the maintenance and the at-home care. She adds, “This is such a bad habit and I wish people understood how harmful it is.”  Focusing on keeping your hands healthy and beautiful as well as eliminating triggers is vital for kicking this habit. If this affects you it’s okay you’re not alone. Call one of the experts at Essentials and start loving your hands again.