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Nail Disease

Nail Disease

There are some steps you can take to help you stop biting your nails. Know the reasons you bite your nails. Think about what triggers you to put your hands to your mouth. Are you worried? Are you afraid? Under stress? Write down each time you bite your nails, what you had just done, and how you felt. This will help you plan what you can do during these times instead of biting your nails. Try to keep your nails short and polished. You may also want to get a manicure. Give up biting the nail on just one finger at a time. Stop biting the thumb nail. After a week or so, stop biting the thumb nail or the nail on your first finger. Continue until you have broken your habit. Coat your nails with nail polish that tastes bitter. Keep your hands and mouth busy. Chew gum and hold something in your hands like a pen or small toy. Wear gloves to keep your nails covered. You may want to use a sports-type mouth guard to make it harder to bite your nails.