Do you bite your finger nails? If you do read this!

[zen1]

If you do you might have a cuticle problem. Well that's what I found out today and I have it. The lady that does nails said the reason why I bite my finger nails is becasue I have a cuticle problem. And she said the main reason why I do it is becasue it relieves pain in my finger nails. So this sunday I am going in and have her help me get my nails back the way they should be. I just thought I would share this with everyone and mabye it will help someone else out too.

 

[Christine]

I bite my nails but they certainly aren't painful. That's not why I bite them. My nails are thin and raggedy and their texture absolutely aggravates me. I *can* stop biting them and have grown them out a bit. But they are so yukky that they snag on everything despite all the best treatments. Plus I just cannot stand the feeling of fingernails. I also can't stand to wear rings, so I guess I'm just "hand sensitive."

 

[workinggal]

sounds more like a sales pitch than science to me.

 

[Beth76]

I bite my nails AND I have bad cuticles. But, I don't really think they're related. My nails are really thin and bend and break easily. I've talked to my nail technician about them too (I get a lot of pedicures) and she didn't mention anything about a cuticle problem, just that I could used a strengthener. But, hey, tell me how it goes, if it works for you!

 

[zen1]

I sure hope this helps solve my nail biting, because I don't like doing it and it hurts really bad. So I am willing to try anthing. And I will be sure to let you know how it goes, beth.

 

[poohandwendy]

As a manicurist, I just have to LOL at that one. People ruin their cuticles and nails by biting and picking at them. THAT is what causes the pain.

The best way to quit the nail biting habit, in my opinion, is to keep them filed smoothly, keep the hand moisturized and use a bitter ointment that reminds the biter when they put their hands in their mouth (it must be reapplied after handwashing). Also, chewng gum and mints keep the mouth busy. It is a tough habit to break because most people do not realize they are doing it.

JMHO

 

[zen1]

Thanks poohandwendy, I always thought it was just a very bad habit that I had too and I still think it is. And I am really trying to stop, but like you said some people don't even know that they are doing it. But this lady really had me thinking that it is a cuticle problem and not a nail bitting one( go figure). I was going back to see her on sunday, do you think I should or not? She also said it was like $18.00 to get my nails done. Please help me. And thanks again!

 

[EltonJohn]

I bite my nails because I've been biting them ever since I can remember! There have been sometimes where I have broken the habit for a little while, and I have been doing well on my nails since Lent 2003, but now I've started back on my thumbs and pointers! I don't think I'll ever break this habit fully!

 

[poohandwendy]

Originally posted by zen1
Thanks poohandwendy, I always thought it was just a very bad habit that I had too and I still think it is. And I am really trying to stop, but like you said some people don't even know that they are doing it. But this lady really had me thinking that it is a cuticle problem and not a nail bitting one( go figure). I was going back to see her on sunday, do you think I should or not? She also said it was like $18.00 to get my nails done. Please help me. And thanks again!

It's a habit, but not a really bad one...smoking cigarettes, doing heroin...those are really bad habits, LOL.

It is usually a habit that began at a really young age, (as EJ mentioned) due to stress or nervousness, boredom. Often with thumb or finger suckers.

Start by getting your nails as neatly trimmed and filed as possible. Smooth edges are less tempting. Clip any hang nails (they are also tempting to nibble off). Apply a nail strengthener to a) make them more attractive and b) protect them so they will grow c) bitten nails tend to be weaker until they fully grow out

Do what you can to remind yourself that you are putting your fingers in your mouth (like the bitter ointment I mentioned, Nail Biter is one brand). It works best on adults because they really WANT to quit the habit. And all it takes is a reminder.

As far as the manicurist, cancel the appt and see if you have any success on your own. OR, keep the appt and consider a nice mnaicure as the beginning of your new 'non-biting' life and try the above suggestions in addition. Definitey treat yourself to a manicure after you have some success (your nails have grown a little bit).

But, I wll repeat, bad cuticles are not the culprit...I say that with confidence.

let me know how you do!

take care,
wendy

 

[Christine]

I also read a few years ago that they actually did a *study* of nailbiters and found that those who bit their nails had poor fingernails to begin with. They were soft, bent easily, snagged, etc. They surmised that people actually started biting their nails because they had bad nails to begin with and that the nails irritated them. They said that these bad fingernails "were like catnip to a cat." When I read that study it was the first time it all made sense. I have extremely weak, flimsy nails. I have no problem stopping my biting habit. I have tried several times to go on a nail regimin. I file, polish, moisturize, use pencils to dial the phone, etc. They actually do grow and look nice; however when they get to the point of going pass the edge of my fingers they start acting up. It drives me nuts and the time to maintain them at that point is ridiculous. The index finger is the first to go. The start peeling and snagging way below where a file can take care of it. At that point, I can't stop from nibbling it off. Oh, it is just a pain in the butt. At age 40, I've finally given up.

My DD is a nail biter also and she has my bad nails. My son has very hard nails and does not bite. My mom has very hard nails and does not bite. Their nails are also fairly maintenance free--it kind of amazes me.

 

[Mermaid02]

I thought you were going to talk about all the nasty bacteria and the like that are found on and under the human fingernail.

 

[Pooh67_68]

I bite my nails all the time. It started when I was a kid, I am a very nervous person(as a kid the doctor had me on meds at the age of 5). I don't know if I will ever stop because anything that causes me to become really nervous(not on meds any more) I start biting my nails.

 

[zen1]

Wendy, Thanks again for all of your help. And I will for sure let you know how I do!

 

[janette]

I bite my nails, the only times I've stopped were times when I had acrlyic nails but on, that let my nails grow underneath then when they came off I kept polish on my nails. With the polish on I tend to not bite but do pick at the polish.

I know the cure for me would be to get my nails done on a regular basis. Someday I'll make it a priority. One of my DD's friends mother does nails so I know she'd love to have us come in and get them done. I just need to get around to it!

I do have reasonably good nails when they are kept up instead of bitten. One of my girls bites her nails too.