Nail-Biting Backing off a Nervous Habit
NAIL-BITING Backing Off a Nervous Habit
Many children bite their nails, says Paul Kechijian, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology and chief of the nail section at New York University Medical Center. Usually they grow out of the habit, and nagging them about it only makes the situation worse.
What can you do if your child can't or won't keep her nails out of her mouth? First, understand why she does it.
''Nail-biting is a nervous habit that's often a symptom of anxiety or insecurity,'' says William Womack, M.D., associate professor in the Department of Child Psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine and codirector of the Stress Management Clinic of Children's Hospital and Medical Center, both in Seattle. ''It's your child's way of comforting herself.''
Figure out what's eating your child, and you're halfway to getting her to stop eating her nails. Eventually, most children stop biting their nails when they start to care how their nails look--or when their friends start to notice. Meanwhile, try some of these creative solutions.
Help your child understand. Enlist your child's cooperation by helping her understand why she's biting her nails. ''Explain that sometimes people bite their nails because they worry a lot or are upset and nervous,'' says Dr. Womack. For example, ask her if she does it when relatives visit, when she's meeting new friends or when she's trying hard to learn something new. Your child may be better able to control the habit if she can talk about the stresses she's experiencing, according to Dr. Womack.
Nail down a deal. Ask your child if her nail-biting bothers her. If, and only if, your child wants to stop biting her nails, you and she can talk about a ''contract,'' suggests Dr. Womack.
For instance, would she consider not biting her nails for a dime a day? Or for a week--in exchange for a visit to an amusement park? Would she appreciate a new watch of her own for not biting her nails for a month?
Keep a chart of successful non-nail-biting days, then reward her for compliance with the ''deal,'' says Dr. Womack.
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| When to See the Doctor If all your child does is bite off the tips of her nails, it's not a medical problem, says Paul Kechijian, M.D., clinical associate professor of dermatology and chief of the nail section at New York University Medical Center. It only becomes a problem when children bite their nails more aggressively--particularly if they tear off their nails and cause their fingers to bleed. The cuticle area is especially important because the nail forms under the whitish half moon (usually seen only on the thumb), then grows out from underneath the cuticle. ''Theoretically,'' says Dr. Kechijian, ''you could bite your nail tips for 25 years and never have permanent deformity because you're not injuring the nail root. But the cuticle has an important function, which is to act as a barrier to keep bacteria, yeast and liquids from getting underneath the skin of the finger. When children bite the sides and cuticles of their nails, or peel, tear and rip the cuticle off, they can get a low-grade infection of the finger and the nail root.'' And that can lead to permanently deformed nails. If you see any sign of infection--fingers that are chronically swollen and red, or nails that are bumpy--see a dermatologist, says Dr. Kechijian. |
Trim off some stress. If you teach your child relaxation techniques, she can counter the stress that usually leads to nail-biting, suggests Dr. Womack. ''Say to her, ' When you feel like biting your nails, think of something pleasant, like playing on a beach or having fun with friends, suggests Dr. Womack.
Offer a manicure. ''Have your child get a manicure,'' says Frances Willson, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Sherman Oaks, California, and chairman of the Health Psychology Committee of the Los Angeles County Psychological Association. ''It's better if she gets it professionally than if you give it; then she'll have an investment in someone outside of you. But she has to want it.''
Suggest a substitute. Have your child try substituting a sugarless lollipop (available at health food stores) for biting her nails, suggests Bobbi Vogel, Ph.D., a family counselor in Woodland Hills, California, and director of the Adolescent Outpatient Program at Tarzana Treatment Center in Tarzana. ''Your child may find it easier to stop nail-biting if she has a substitute means of oral gratification, at least temporarily,'' says Dr. Vogel. Besides a lollipop, you can also offer sugarless gum or a crunchy carrot stick.
Try positive distraction. If a child is ready to give up nail-biting, you can help her learn to keep her hands otherwise occupied, says Dr. Vogel. For example, if your child habitually bites her nails while staring at the TV set, keep a supply of drawing materials near the TV and encourage her to color or draw while her favorite shows are on. Or buy her a special ''worry bead'' bracelet she can wear and play with when she's tempted to bite her nails.
Annoy the taste buds. With your child's cooperation, and if she's over four years old, put something bitter on her nails, suggests Dr. Vogel. One over-the-counter product, Thum, contains cayenne pepper extract and citric acid. ''This will do more harm than good, however, if your child feels she's being punished for being bad,'' points out Dr. Vogel. Only use it if she agrees.
