Onychophagia, generally known as nail biting is a very common problem. This is a compulsive disorder, occurring to nearly half the population of the earth and it is frequent amongst children and teenagers. It has variety of root causes and the best way to cure this is by finding the reasons responsible for it. Once you know the cause for biting finger nails, you can choose from various available solutions, like application of bitter tasting stuff, hypnosis therapy, nail painting etc. Generally, biting fingernails indicates an oral fixation; work or home stress, recently quit smoking are some of the primary examples.
Some people bite fingernails only when they grow long, while others not only bite fingernails but also nibble dead skin around the cuticles. Chewed nails not only look filthy and less groomed, but also give a very bad impression of one's personality. Such nails can easily shame you on a business appointment, job interview or meeting with a new client.. Following are some methods to stop bad habits
Application of bitter tasting substance/ nail- paint - The most popular and easy way to stop this habit is by applying bitter tasting stuff or nail polish on your fingernails. This liquid stuff for nails is widely available and when you nibble your nails or cuticles after applying them, it tastes very bitter, discouraging a person from biting their nails again.
Regular Trimming of Nails - People, who have nail biting problem, should always keep their nails small and cuticles trimmed. Small nails pain a lot after biting and will discourage this tendency.
Manicure and Nail Painting - Another popular way to stop nail biting is by painting them. Expensive manicures and nail paints dishearten people from biting their nails. One must apply a bright and flashy nail spread to make this work more effectively.
Hypnosis - Hypnosis is also a very successful remedy to solve nail biting problem. One can go to a hypnotherapist for sessions or can buy tapes on nail biting cure. Hypnosis is a slow process and one can see changes only after few sessions. Hypnosis to cure nail biting is known to bring about enduring behavioral modification, preventing a person from biting their fingernails ever again.
Natural Remedies - Few substances, easily available in your back yard garden and the kitchen can help anyone curb this habit. Applying Aloe Vera solution that tastes bitter can certainly make you think twice before biting nails. Hot sauces like Tabasco, if applied on nails will give a very stirring experience on biting nails and will be a never forgetting incident.