Nail Biting Basics

Nail biting is common among children as well as adults. It typically begins between the ages of seven and 10. But the number of nail biters increases as children reach adolescence, according to parentplace.com. nOn average, boys 10 years old and older tend to bite nails more frequently than their female counterparts. nnThe typical result of nail biting is short, ragged nails. However, it can also lead to damaged cuticles as well as bleeding around the edges of the nails. Infections can also develop if nails are not properly attended to, said parentplace.com. nAlthough nail biting has not been extensively studied, it is attributed to stress. nMost people agree it is a learned habit, perhaps picked up by watching a parent or someone else biting their nails. nnNail biting is an extremely tough habit to break and treatment for it varies. nOne possible solution is identifying the reason for nail biting. nAvoidance or modification of these situations can be beneficial to the eventual elimination of the habit. nImproving self-esteem is also helpful when attempting to break the habit. nProducts such as CONTROL-IT are available on the market and are designed to aid nail biters in breaking their habit. According to www.stopbiting nails.com, CONTROL-IT is a gentle and natural alternative to help prevent biting. A mild unpleasant taste helps to remind users to stop biting their nails. nn