The Seriousness of Chronic Nail Biting and How to Stop It for Good

Nails play an important role in your body. They give strength to your fingertips so you can grip and pick things up, and they also help with important actions like scratching. Fingernails can also provide clues to your underlying health — they can signal certain nutritional deficiencies, lung problems, or even autoimmune conditions. That’s why biting your nails can have bigger consequences than you might think. 

Chronic nail biting, clinically known as onychophagia, is often a fleeting childhood behavior. But in some people, nail biting may become a chronic, uncontrollable habit — and sometimes even an obsessive-compulsive behavior. 

In this article, we’ll explore why you might bite your nails, what you can do to stop, and when it may be time to talk with a healthcare provider.

Why do I bite my nails?

The exact cause of nail biting is unknown, but it has been associated with boredom, frustration, and reducing stress or anxiety. An estimated 20 to 30% of people bite their nails. It’s especially common in children, occurring in up to 33% of 7- to 10-year-olds and up to 45% of adolescents. 

In some cases, nail biting can be caused by an underlying mental health condition. For example, chronic nail biting may be a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD causes you to use repetitive, compulsive behaviors to ease the anxiety caused by obsessive, intrusive thoughts. 

There’s not a lot of research in adults, but there does seem to be a connection between other mental health conditions and nail biting in children. Kids who struggle with chronic nail biting may have OCD or the following conditions:

• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Oppositional defiant disorder

• Separation anxiety disorder

• Tourette syndrome

Some studies also compare chronic nail biting to self-harm. Self-harm is typically used as a way to manage intense emotions, which can include reducing stress and anxiety.

What qualifies as ‘chronic’ nail biting?

Nail biting becomes chronic when it is done repetitively and is hard to control or stop. In some adults, nail biting becomes a chronic habit that can be severe enough to cause health complications. 

When done obsessively to the point it causes physical harm, chronic nail biting may be categorized as a “grooming disorder.” You may also hear chronic nail biting referred to as a body-focused repetitive behavior. 

Why is nail biting bad?

Nail biting can damage your nails and lead to bigger complications such as:

• Cosmetic problems, like a short nail bed or torn and bleeding cuticles

• Fingernail fold infections (paronychia)

• Infections in the skin surrounding your fingernails

• Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis)

• Pain in the jaw (temporomandibular dysfunction)

• Tooth fractures, gum infections (gingivitis), or other dental problems

• Permanent damage to the nail bed and long-term nail deformity

Uncontrolled nail biting can also cause psychological distress such as decreased self-esteem or increased anxiety if you’re unable to stop the habit. 

How do I stop biting my nails?

There are several steps you can take right at home to stop biting your nails. You may want to consider the following:

• Nail grooming: It may help to keep your nails trimmed and free of hangnails to resist biting them. 

• Bitter nail polish: Consider applying a bitter polish to your nails to deter you from biting them. 

• Alternative habits: Try replacing the urge to bite your nails with a healthier alternative, like playing with a fidget toy or squeezing a stress ball. 

You may also need additional support from a healthcare professional to stop biting your nails. Some of the options you may want to explore include:

• Dental device: Consider talking with your dentist about a dental oral appliance to stop you from biting your nails.

• Psychotherapy: This may include habit reversal therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as treatment for anxiety or stress.

• Medication: In some cases, treatment may include medication for any underlying mental health conditions such as OCD.

When should I talk to my doctor about my nail biting? 

Your nail biting may have moved into the chronic or extreme category when it starts to cause physical or mental health problems that impact your life. So it’s never too early to talk with your healthcare provider about nail biting. 

If you have any of the following complications, it’s a good idea to make an appointment now to come up with a plan:

• Recurrent ingrown nails

• Nail infections

• Swelling or bleeding around the nails

• You’ve tried to stop your nail biting and cannot

• You have anxiety, stress, or other concerns that may be worsening your nail biting

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Christina Palmer, MD

Christina Palmer, MD, is a board-certified family physician with a focus on chronic care management, women’s health, and mental health. She’s the co-author of the book, “Open Heart: When Open-Heart Surgery Becomes Your Best Option”.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Aunna Pourang, MD

Aunna Pourang, MD, graduated from the University of Florida College of Medicine’s Medical Honors Program and is board-certified in family medicine (Mayo Clinic). She is also fellowship-trained in integrative medicine (Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine).

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