Chewing the consequences of fingernails

Those who do not consciously chew the consequences of fingernails, not only ensures a cosmetic deficiency but also favors as bad nail diseases. But not only diseases of the fingernail are possible. A large number of people who suffer from the so-called onychophagy must continue to live with the social as well as personal consequences. If left untreated, nail biting can be so severe that complete isolation will occur!

 Fingernail chewing is not a disease in the classical sense. Rather, it is a symptom of an already existing disease. Those who nibble on their fingernails and the surrounding skin for such a long time, that significant consequences such as bleeding injuries or nail bed inflammation are recorded, in many cases already suffering from a disease of the psyche. Especially people who suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or are afflicted by anxiety disorders or attachment disorders are increasingly chewing on their fingernails.

But even if the nibbling on the nails can be triggered by a mental illness, the consequences of  fingernails chewing are  the breeding ground for further health consequences. Classic consequences of intense chewing are not only problems with the nail bed and inflammation of the fingertips. Sometimes even disturbances with the stomach and digestive system are possible.

Fingernails chewing consequences - health kind

What happens when you chew on your fingernails? A nail bed infection is the first sign of the body that the fingertips or fingernails have already been affected in such a way that they are a breeding ground for bacterial diseases. The enormous reduction of the fingernail gradually damages and exposes the underlying sensitive skin and nail bed. Among other things, this promotes injuries, inflammation, the formation of fungi under and on the nail and the spread of warts. 

Generally, the nails are very thin, brittle, soft and cracked. By chewing the fingernails, the surrounding areas of the skin of the finger are also injured, so that sequelae and diseases can spread here as well. In addition to the ugly appearance, nail biting can also lead to persistent pain in the fingertips. For extremely damaged nails and cuticles, any handgrip can become painful. However, there are ways to get rid of nail biting while restoring the look and health of your fingernails.

Nail biting - consequences for the digestive tract

But not only the fingernails or fingertips can carry health restrictions. Due to the fact that the nails can not be digested, many suffer from stomach aches or digestive problems. In the further course of the disease, gingivitis and misalignment of the teeth can also occur.

The above-mentioned components are further late effects that can occur due to intensive nail-biting. However, it must be distinguished whether it is a pronounced chewing behavior or takes place in the context of employment (such as boredom). Many children and adolescents like to bite on their fingernails, but this phase may recur. Statistically, about 30 out of every 100 children chew on their nails. In adolescents, the value is even higher. Of 100 teenagers, 45 are chewing on their fingernails. While many children and adolescents replace nail-biting as they age (grasp the cigarette, chew the pen, chewing gum), nail-biting can also become chronic. If there is a chronic development of this habit, the sufferers must not only expect physical complaints.

Fingernails chewing episodes - Psychic Art

But not only health complaints go hand in hand with the chewing of the nails. Due to the fact that the fingernails and the hands are the "business card" of man. Can the unsightly appearance of the fingernails very well cause those affected to hide their hands and fingernails. In subsequent episodes of fingernail chewing, a sense of discomfort often sets in. Those affected no longer want to participate in social life or limit their contact in such a way that they isolate themselves from the outside world. This can lead to severe depression. While in winter the possibility of the gloves exists, the Nagelkauer is powerless delivered in the summer, so that the nails can be hidden only in the trouser pocket.

As part of this process, mental health problems can sometimes be exacerbated or increased. If there are no mental illnesses up to that point in time, these behavioral disorders can actually arise. This procedure can last for several months. In many cases, this is a creeping process. Relatives or family members notice relatively late that their offspring or their acquaintances have corresponding social problems, that they avoid or even completely break off social contact. Finally, the ugly-looking fingernails then ensure that the self-esteem drops and the person feels no longer comfortable in his own skin. The constant hiding of the fingernails ultimately results in increased mental difficulties.

Especially if the person concerned is addressed to his problem. Many react incensed, feel caught or attacked, so that the contact - under the fingernails - must be careful. In some cases, people know that they are suffering from a problem. But have no idea how they can get this under control. The last stage is the complete isolation. This scenario occurs when the person's mental disorder has not been treated.

The further course of the disease as a result of nail biting

The personal consequences are difficult to assess. Sometimes, the course of the disease can be so severe that social life is restricted in such a way that not only the contact with friends and relatives is broken off. But even the working life can no longer or only be perceived with difficulty.

Many claimants seek help in the form of therapy. Other people leave their problems untreated. As a result of nail-biting, this leads to total isolation and outsourcing from society. Even though many sufferers realize that they have a problem and can not manage it without help. Nevertheless, do not use any assistance. The sense of shame is so high that it is impossible for them to contact a person and talk about it. However, there are various behavioral therapies and tips and tricks that even in very severe cases, a relief or complete healing is possible.

In the end, nail biting is just a symptom. The treatment of the causes is, as with any therapy in the case of a chronic course or a pronounced onychophagy , in the foreground. In this article, all the theoretically possible consequences of nibbling nails were explained. Which does not automatically mean that it must be apparent in each of these course. Nevertheless, you should take the initiative to counteract the problem at an early stage.