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How To Get Rid Of My Habit Of Biting Nails?
since ive been about 7 ive been biting my nails down to stubs and even though it hurts i keep dojng it because it almost feels good (you know?) ive been dojng the same thing with scrathing and poking at my gums until they bleed, or even scratching my skin until i have a rash. Ive told myself that its gross and i hate the fact that i do it but its like an addiction i guess, i do lots of little things like this and they are really unattractive and its unhealthy, why do i keep doing this?
posted on
Thu, 13 Mar 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Answered on
Tue, 4 Nov 2014
Last reviewed on
Hello Welcome to HCM
Biting nails, plucking skin and hair are part of impulsive control disorders. Onychophagia or nail biting is commonly associated with hair pulling and picking skin. In most of individuals the reason behind these impulses is severe anxiety. I would advise you to consult a Psychiatrist for expert management. Medicines like SSRIs as Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine etc are very useful in controlling impulses.
Behavior therapy by a trained psychologist help in decreasing abnormal behaviour and to impart good desired behaviour.
Get your complete hemogram done along with vitamin B12 levels. Low levels are associated with anxiety and consequent impulsive behaviour.
Hope this helps you, thanks
Biting nails, plucking skin and hair are part of impulsive control disorders. Onychophagia or nail biting is commonly associated with hair pulling and picking skin. In most of individuals the reason behind these impulses is severe anxiety. I would advise you to consult a Psychiatrist for expert management. Medicines like SSRIs as Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine etc are very useful in controlling impulses.
Behavior therapy by a trained psychologist help in decreasing abnormal behaviour and to impart good desired behaviour.
Get your complete hemogram done along with vitamin B12 levels. Low levels are associated with anxiety and consequent impulsive behaviour.
Hope this helps you, thanks
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