Onychophagia is the medical: (CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST) term for chronic nail biting.
It comes from Greek:
- onycho-: nail
- -phagia: eating
So it literally might mean: “nail eating.”
What it involves
Onychophagia could be referring to repeatedly biting one’s fingernails (and sometimes toenails). It could be common in:
- Young people
- People experiencing stress, anxiety, or boredom
- Individuals with compulsive or habit-related behaviors
Is it a disorder?
Occasional nail biting is common and may not be necessarily a medical problem: (CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST/DERMATOLOGIST/ MEDICAL DOCTOR), However, when it:
- Causes damage to the nails or surrounding skin: (CONSULT WITH A DERMATOLOGIST/ MEDICAL DOCTOR)
- Leads to infections: (CONSULT WITH A DERMATOLOGIST/ MEDICAL DOCTOR)
- Becomes difficult to control
It may be considered a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) and sometimes linked to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies?
Possible consequences
- Nail deformities: (CONSULT WITH A DERMATOLOGIST/ MEDICAL DOCTOR)
- Skin infections around the nails: (CONSULT WITH A DERMATOLOGIST/ MEDICAL DOCTOR)
- Dental problems: (CONSULT WITH A DENTIST)
- Increased risk of illness, from germs entering the mouth: (CONSULT WITH A PSYCHIATRIST)
Treatment options
- Behavioral therapy (especially habit-reversal training)
- Stress management techniques
- Bitter nail polish deterrents
- Keeping nails trimmed short
- Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 