So you're a nail biter?

When I was a kid, I had a terrible habit of biting my nails. My sister had the same habit and we were never taught how nasty the habit was. When I got older, I realized how disgusting it was and eventually quit after a few years of struggle. Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a compulsive disorder that isn't just nasty to look at, it really opens you up to all kinds of nasty stuff. Bacteria like e-coli and parasites like pin-worms can lurk under those nails. Sounds delicious doesn't it?

NOT my nails.

When tempted to gnaw on your nails or cuticles, keep your hands busy. Do something constructive, or at least do something to involve your hands. Grab a pen, pencil or crayon and doodle grab a rubber band and weave it in and out of your fingers. Worry beads, which I happen to make and will add to my etsy shop in the next few weeks, are also a great idea.

~A weekly manicure to make your nails look neat can also deter a nail biter.

~Clear or matte finish nail polish is another possibility. My personal favorite is Matte Me Crazy by New York Color.

NYC Matte Me Crazy (less than $2.00 from most discount & drugstores)

The cure of my personal habit was buying an expensive manicure set from Solingen, Germany, much like the one found in the link below. My reasoning was pretty simple. I paid over $100 for something that I could use on my nails. If I didn't use it, I might as well just flushed 5 $20 bills down the toilet.

So...With all that said...Could I be the only person on the planet that avoids shaking hands with a nail biter? Could that be a disorder also?