DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 72-year old male. I have always bitten my nails as my mother did and my daughter does. Now my beautiful grand-daughter is starting the habit. She just turned four. Is there anything or anyway that we can stop this awful habit before it really gets bad?

DEAR READER: Nail biting, otherwise known as onychophagia, is often a form of stress relief, boredom, performed during periods of excitement, or a learned behavior from family members. It can also be a nervous habit, such as hair twisting or thumb sucking. Oddly, most people bite their nails without even realizing what they are doing. For example, they may be watching a television show while they twist their hair, grind their teeth, or pull at the skin on their arms.
[Read more...]

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have been a chronic nail-biter since grade school. I have tried the bitter stuff to put on my nails, hypnotism and even fake nails. I would love to grow my own nails, but when I get worked up or nervous, I chew until I have stubs. Any help on this matter would be appreciated.

DEAR READER: There are a number of reasons for this habit. It can result from being nervous, depressed, excited, bored, or even for unknown reasons. The stresses in everyday life can be difficult to deal with.

Most nail-biting is simply a bad habit. It is rather common in children and young adults, but typically ceases thereafter. It will not cause permanent damage unless you have warts or an infection around the nail bed. If you suffer from frequent colds or diarrhea, you might attribute it to your nail-biting. [Read more...]