Nail Biting: Why Stress, Anxiety, and Boredom Drive This Common Habit

• Nail biting, medically known as onychophagia, is a common habit in both children and adults, often linked to stress and anxiety.
• It serves as a self-soothing mechanism, providing temporary relief from mental restlessness, boredom, frustration, or lack of concentration.
• The habit can be unconscious, occurring during tasks like thinking, watching TV, or talking on the phone, and may be exacerbated by conditions like ADHD.
• While seemingly minor, nail biting carries health risks including infections from bacteria, stomach problems, damage to teeth and gums, and permanent nail structure alteration.
• Strategies to curb the habit include identifying triggers, using stress balls, keeping nails short, applying bitter-tasting polish, and seeking psychological counseling for persistent cases.

Why It Matters: Nail biting is a common self-soothing behavior driven by stress, anxiety, or boredom, with potential health risks.