A common childhood habit that can persist into adulthood, nail-biting may have more consequences than previously thought. A doctor from Harvard has issued a warning to individuals who continue to bite their nails, cautioning them about potential health risks that they may not be aware of.
In response to concerns raised by a woman with a long-standing nail-biting habit, experts confirmed that this seemingly harmless behavior could indeed have negative implications for overall health. The doctor highlighted the risk associated with the accumulation of germs on fingertips, exacerbated by nail-biting which leaves the skin vulnerable to infections due to the creation of tiny openings for germs to enter.
The doctor emphasized that nail-biting exposes individuals to various illnesses, ranging from common colds to more serious infections like salmonella. Furthermore, the habit can lead to skin infections around the nails or under the nailbed, underscoring the importance of breaking this habit for better health outcomes.
To help individuals overcome nail-biting, suggestions include finding alternative ways to occupy the mouth and hands, such as chewing gum, drinking water, or engaging in activities like needlework or drawing to reduce the temptation to bite nails. Former nail-biters shared their strategies for quitting, with one recommending a gradual approach of stopping one set of nails at a time and managing the nails to prevent unevenness that may trigger the urge to bite.
Another method shared by users involved using a rubber band around the wrist and snapping it whenever the urge to bite nails arose, associating the behavior with an unpleasant experience to deter future nail-biting. These insights aim to raise awareness about the health risks associated with nail-biting and provide practical strategies to help individuals break this common habit.
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