Need help with biting my nails.

InstantNoodles

Ok, I want to quit biting so bad, but after biting 23 years its near impossible. I tried a few things, none of which worked for me. I have tried the bad tasting stuff, flicking my wrist with the rubber band, chewing on only one nail, and trimming my nails really short.

One day, since my nails were trimmed short, and I was commited to only one nail, I decided to bite my nail from the cuticle up the nail. basically destroying and deforming my finger. Picture is below, beware its graphic.



http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8673/img000011ko3.jpg


I need help... anyone have any tips?

yellowcurl

Have you tried hypnosis? It seems to work for other addictions.

Please go to the doc about your nail, doesn't look like it's going to just magically fix itself.

wandatowell

I know there is "Nail Biting Varnish" available in Boots, the stuff taste horrible and after a while you'll stop biting.

Worked for me.

Bog Butter

Why don't you nominate someone to slap you in the face if you have been biting. Hopefully the thought of a slap will help you stop.

aare

Thinking outside the box here - it is expensive, and drastic, but since I had upper front crowns, I have noticed I could no longer bite my nails if i wanted to, though I never have, I certainly did nibble off the odd hangnail in an emergency.

Maybe talk to your dentist? Even if you got into the habit of wearing a transparent bleaching tray on your lower teeth (whenever it wouldn't show - depends on your teeth, on some people it would hardly show at all.) it might be enough to break you of the habit?

It's taken me about 6 months to get almost out of the habit of nibbling a hangnail or biting thread, and as I don't need to do either very often, I'd say you'd get out of the habit of biting far quicker?

Maybe not so far outside the box either:

• Patent title: Nail biting deterrent device and method
• Veneers 'prevent nail biting
• Nail biting can be harmful to teeth (scary, but helpful in getting taken seriously)

I know two dentists who would be happy to give it a shot...betchya anything if you post on Dental Issues you'll find more.

xniamhx

I bite my nails habitually also, but NEVER right up the way you have.

I do find when I wear nail varnish[like regular coloured ones], it does put me off biting them. You should try when your nail grows back.

kingtut

Think of a food / taste you hate (say vinegar / peanut butter / butter etc) and smear it over your nails. Then whenever you go to bite them you will be disgusted by the taste and will hopefully associate biting your nails with a bad taste in your mouth.

The stuff you buy it the shops never works. It has to be something that repulses you that you put on your nails. Best of luck

LegacyUser

I dont think I could do the finger tasting stuff. I had tried some of that back in the day, and i would just chew on it so much until the taste wore off.