Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 why cant I stop biting my nails? Its only the fingers, feet are disgusting. I just cant seem to break the habit. any idea's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skylive5 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 You must be missing something in your diet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 You must be missing something in your diet. I am fat , eat lots of food of different varieties so I cant imagine that i would be missing any nutrients that would compel me to chew my fingernails? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scorcher Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 It could be a nervous sub conscious habit.You might try putting something on the tips of your fingers that make you aware when you are doing it. Bitter apple maybe? It is used to keep dogs from chewing on things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Dick Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) It's a anger mechanism. In your head, the words that you are getting ready to write and type are spelled correctly, but when you transfer that thought to your fingers, the words come out all wrong. So what you are doing is punishing your fingers for betraying you. Edited February 7, 2012 by Chief Dick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 (edited) I've had the same problem for years until I'd noticed that I was wearing the enamel off of the tips of my teeth. I've since greatly reduced the habit by just keeping my nails trimmed very short. Now I've gotten to where I can't stand for them to get any length at all. I still bite them occasionally, but nearly as much. Another tip similar to Scorchers and a lot simpler. Grab a box of new rubber bands from supply and every time you think about biting then grab a rubber band and play around with it. It will help satisfy your nervous habit and it will get that nasty rubber band taste on your fingers for the next time you do it subconsciously. ETA: Store a pair of nail clippers wherever you spend your time. Keep a pair at your bedside table, in your office desk & in the car so that you always have an alternative to biting them. When you notice you're doing it then grab the clippers. Edited February 7, 2012 by rajncajn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tford Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Find something else to do with your hands. Get a stress ball or something. I used to bite my fingernails a lot but then I bought a football to have in my office as something to do when I'm reading, talking of the phone etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Because you have no hair to pull? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 It's a anger mechanism. In your head, the words that you are getting ready to write and type are spelled correctly, but when you transfer that thought to your fingers, the words come out all wrong. So what you are doing is punishing your fingers for betraying you. This is very plausible... I have tried the bitter stuff and hot stuff , i used to chew pencils up and maybe that was because of the bad spelling also? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evil_gop_liars Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Stop washing your hands after you take a chit. Just think about that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Because you have no hair to pull? I lost my hair because of kids .... at least that is the story i am telling them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delusions of grandeur Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 The doctor told me a while back that it's usually related to anxiety (whether it be good or bad stress), and also the whole "evening them out" thing... I frequently destroy my nails (and more painfully cuticles) by trying to even them out like that. It's really becoming a bad habit for me too, as it's also working down the enamel on my teeth too. The doc said that one solution is the same for not smoking. He recommends carrots that you can peel/play with your teeth similar to chewing on nails, but anything that can occupy your hands or oral fixation () is probably going to help. Rajn also makes a good point about keeping them cut short (if you can let them all grow out that much first). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rajncajn Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Another tip to try. If you drink coffee then keep stir straws. They're great to chew on for a while and have a similar affect as biting nails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whiskey Pimp Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 I used to bite my fingernails and putting something on them that tastes bad never deterred me at all. I have now stopped biting them except for my 2 pinky fingers. I have completely destroyed them and it's not just biting but picking at them is even worse. I don't have a lot of nail left on either of them and I just can't stop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SEC=UGA Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 You people have issues. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Next Generation Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 You people have issues. Kirk Lazarus: [to Tugg Speedman] What do you mean, "you people?" Alpa Chino: [stares at Lazarus, and then gets angry] What do *you* mean, "you people?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Stop washing your hands after you take a chit. Just think about that. I do that already. does not help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 You people have issues. well f-u Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azazello1313 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 if you ever find the answer, let me know. I am brutal on my fingernails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimmy Neutron Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 We solved my daughter's problem with this by keeping her in fake nails. Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chargerz Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Wear gloves all the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooby's Hubby Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 just think of all the germs and that once you bite a nail there is no turning back, the germs have entered and will wreak havoc. they will start on your gums, then line your throat and work their way to your intestines. everytime you get sick it is b/c you bite your nails. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 just think of all the germs and that once you bite a nail there is no turning back, the germs have entered and will wreak havoc. they will start on your gums, then line your throat and work their way to your intestines. everytime you get sick it is b/c you bite your nails. I don't get sick? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yukon Cornelius Posted February 7, 2012 Author Share Posted February 7, 2012 Wear gloves all the time. choppers make it hard to type! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Holy Roller Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Wear gloves all the time. Worked in boot camp, but did not solve the underlying psychological cause(s). I think Chief Dick nailed it. Take up drinking instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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