Biting My Nails

I need to stop biting my nails.

It's disgusting, not to mention risky for someone with an immunodeficiency.

My boyfriend suggested that I could get plastic surgery for my pinky fingers; I was shocked into reality. If I am going to spend money on cosmetic surgery, it sure as hell isn't going to be on my nails.

So, I'll have to do this through old-fashioned will power or some 12-step program or through aversion therapy or something.

I like this site which gives the medical term for nail biting: onychophagia, from the Greek compound comprising the root of onyx (onycho-) "(finger/toe) nail" + phagia "eating." I don't eat my toenails, for the record...at least not since I was about five.

The site tells us that, "studies seem to suggest a higher incidence of onychophagia amongst people with higher intelligence. Possibly as a result of such people being given more responsibilities and consequential anxiety."

Don't I know it!

They note, however:

"A caution: There is no evidence that biting your nails makes you more intelligent however, so there remains every reason to discourage the habit!"

I'm guessing that this caution is for those onychophagics that are driving our comparatively higher mean IQ score down.

Then there is this site which talks about nail and cuticle picking in the larger context of skin picking or dermatillomania. On onychophagia, they write:

Indicators of trouble, however, occur at any age when the nail biting or cuticle picking reaches the point of pain and visible damage. Gone too far, the habit becomes a manifestation of self-mutilating tendencies that are probably accompanied by feelings of low self-esteem and diminished confidence.

As with other behaviors falling under the OCD category, excessive picking and biting of nails and cuticles alike can indicate deep inner emotional conflict. The inner turmoil may be a result of a more sinister condition that demands medical attention.

I can't pinpoint my inner turmoil, but I think it is interesting to consider pain and habit. For instance, I often find it is painful to be single. At the same time, having been perpetually single, I tend to be more comfortable (but not happier) with my solitude than being in a relationship. So, I wonder does my nail biting reflect ongoing inner turmoil or has it simply become a comfortable habit?

I guess this could be my first question for my online counselor!

Yeah, right.

 So far, I am using cuticle creams and carrying a nail file with me. I may try a bitter polish, but I remember that I would just lick it off when I was a kid. My concern  now is that it will just wash away every time I wash my hands.

Anyway, feel free to share any tips.

Comments

[T B]

When I was in grade 7 or 8, a science teacher told our class that people could end up with tapeworms inside of them after chewing on pens.

I don't know if the same could happen due to nailbiting (or pen-chewing, for that matter).

[Michelle]

Remember to reward success as well. If you just punish yourself, it won't work out positively, so when you have a successful day, give yourself a small reward to celebrate.

[Polly Jones]

I'm giving myself $5 a week for a successful week and treated myself to some good clear polish, etc.!

I wish I believed the whole tapeworm thing as that would really do the trick!!!