Does anyone bite the skin around their fingers and if you have stopped how did you do it?

Question

I have been biting the skin around my fingers for over 20 years and the suggestions I see look like they are from people that don't have the same problem as I do. I know there are more of "us" out there so will you come forward and give me some advice on how to stop it if you have stopped? It's a serious problem and some laugh it off, but I am afraid it won't go away and I don't know how it started or why I keep doing it. I know it's not right and I know I should stop, but I can't find anything that works! Help if you are out there and you do it too!!!! Maybe we can have some kind of support group or something!

Answer 1

use a finger nail clipper instead.
chin

Answer 2

OK here goes...First off, don't feel weird. Lots of people do this! I am a long-time nail biter and cuticle picker but I finally stopped. The cure is so ridiculously simple that you will laugh. Get a rubber band that is large enough to be slightly loose on your wrist. Slip it on and be prepared to wear it for one month! Every time you start to inspect your fingers for little rough edges, uneven cuticles etc. (you know what I'm talking about) snap the rubber band against your hand. It should hurt a little but not a lot. It may be a little red. You are breaking a habit that you have practiced for a long, long time. You will probably have completely stopped biting your cuticle/skin within one week. It works

Answer 3

Now don't take this the wrong way but... one way parents stop their children from sucking their thumbs is to put tabasco sauce on their fingers. If you would put it on a few times a day the bad taste might be enough to make want to stop.

Since it is winter right now you could also get away with wearing gloves (the little cotton knit ones) most of the time or when you are more likely to bite at them.

Also my friend had this problem and when she went to get her nails done she stopped first because it tasted bad and because she didn't want to ruin them. Its a little price-y but if you are desperate it may be a good way to stop (plus they look really nice.)

Answer 4

I have chewed the skin around my nails for years, do notice that I do it more when upset, nervous or anxious. So the busier I keep myself, and the calmer I remain, the less I do bite. Also, when I trim my nails, I occasionally trim the skin away to keep myself from biting it off. I have bit so much that I have drawn blood. It is a hard unconscious habit, wishing you and all those like us, good luck in quitting

Answer 5

you can try putting garlic in nail polish, so the smell and flavor is gonna be so disgusting that you won't bite the skin anymore, and your nails are gonna look nice too at te same time.
or putting some really hot chili
if all these doesn't work you may try going to a psychiatrist to get some cognitive conductual therapy. good luck

Answer 6

I know what you're talking about because I used to do that too when I was a teenager. I would bite my nails and the skin too but I spit it out... do you eat yours? I just stopped doing it when I thought about what germs could be on my dirty fingers that could get me sick. So, I psychologically was able to stop biting my fingernails and skins.

Answer 7

If the bitter stuff that you put on your fingers (e.g. Nail Biters or Thum) doesn't work, then you may be able to get a prescription for an antidepressant. Several antidepressants can be used to decrease compulsive behaviors or the underlying stressors that cause you to do it.

Answer 8

I used to do it - and still do sometimes. I find that the softer and more looked after my hands and nails are, the less likely I am to bite or scratch the skin.

It now only happens when I am nervous or frightened.

Answer 9

The "rubber-band" idea is a good one, as is getting a manicure. Have it done at a good salon, and then see if you're still willing to ruin those lovely nails.
Also, Burt's Bees sells a good cuticle "butter"; a cream that keeps your cuticles soft. You WILL be much less likely to bite them that way.

Answer 10

I do only once in awhile, not as a habit......However, I had a girlfriend when we were kids, who used to bite her nails and the sides until they always looked "RAW!!!" And if your refering to yourself as this type of person, than just do what she did, and put something really "Yukky" tasting on your finger tips to keep you from doing it anymore, or to atleast remind you not to do it anymore..... like you could use, fingernail polish remover, or put bleach on the tips and dont wash it off, so its still there....no thats not safe....Use, vitamin E oil......I have had one open up in my mouth, and it was the grossest tasting stuff!!! Or put alot of lotion on your hands and especially your fingertips, and when you go to bite down on them, you'll get like a filmy taste in your mouth.. Its also a yukky taste..... Just find anything yukky that you know you dont like the taste of, but you cant see, with the naked eye, so not to embarass yourself, you know.... And just use that...Oh "Cod-liver Oil" is another one you could use! Or something bitter tasting.. Good luck hun! Smile!!!

Answer 11

yea-my son does that.
You don't have OC do you? Seriously, go to a neurologist. Little habits like that can be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Ok- well beyond that, I can only suggest replacing the habit with one less destructive (I assume you do it when you are stressed)
or cover your fingers in something nasty so you pull them out of your mouth quickly.