In our busy world, it’s not uncommon for people to develop unhealthy habits to deal with stress and anxiety. One of the most common of these habits is nail biting, a nervous habit that not only affects the aesthetics of the hands but can also lead to pain and infection. A remedy should help to overcome annoying chewing: nail polish. The star asked Prof. Dr. Steffen Moritz, psychologist at the Eppendorf University Hospital in Hamburg, what he thinks of it and what measures also help against nail biting.
“The most effective measure is to make a so-called antagonistic movement as soon as you start biting your nails. Means: clench a fist, fold your hands, sit on your hands or something similar,” says Prof. Dr. Moritz. This way the behavior can be stopped. He goes on to say: “However, there are many affected people for whom this does not work because they do not notice that the behavior is developing.” Then there is the following possible solution: special nail polish.
Anti-chewing nail polish is not a new invention, but it has gained popularity in recent years. These special polishes contain an unpleasant, bitter substance that discourages people from putting their nails in their mouths. Once the nail polish is applied and dried, it forms an invisible barrier that makes nail biting difficult and reminds the wearer to refrain from the habit.
And this is also confirmed by Prof. Dr. Moritz. “Those affected can be sensitized by the bitter taste. Because some people are in a kind of trance and don’t even notice that they are chewing their fingers until they are bloody. Bitter substances can help to consciously perceive and stop chewing “, he says.
The effect of nail polish against nail biting is based on a simple psychological response. By experiencing the bitter taste of nail polish, the brain gradually becomes associated with the unpleasant taste and action of nail biting. Over time, the brain begins to internalize this association and the urge to bite your nails is reduced.
Another advantage of nail polish against nail biting is its aesthetic component. Most of these varnishes come in a variety of colors and textures, so they can serve as a fashion accessory at the same time. This is especially important as people who suffer from nail biting are often insecure and want to hide their hands. Wearing colorful nail polish makes them feel more confident and takes their attention away from the unhealthy habit.
There are many different brands and variations of nail polish for nail biting on the market. Some contain additional ingredients such as biotin and vitamins that promote nail growth and nail strengthening. It is important to choose a nail polish that is free from harmful chemicals and will not further weaken the nails. It is therefore advisable to find out more about the ingredients before you buy them and, if necessary, to speak to a dermatologist or pharmacist.
Of course, it is important to emphasize that nail polish alone is not a complete solution to nail biting. It’s a tool that can help, but the real change has to come from the person themselves. While nail polish makes nail biting more difficult, it requires the person’s will and determination to break the habit. It is advisable to also consider other methods such as stress management, relaxation techniques or wearing gloves to increase the chances of success.
Another method is known to Prof. Dr. Moritz: the so-called decoupling. “I developed the method myself because I was also a nail biter myself. I was very ashamed of it because a lot is wrongly interpreted into nail biting. The method is a bit more complicated. Those affected imitate the movement that precedes nail biting. Then the hand is consciously directed somewhere else with a little tension and acceleration, just before touching the mouth.The effect, which sometimes sets in after days, is that the hand no longer really knows what it is doing and what the goal of the action is. According to our studies, this is effective in one third to half of the patients,” says Prof. Dr. Moritz.
More information about this method can be found here.
Overall, there are many different ways to stop nail biting. If you want to make it easier to break the habit, you are well positioned with a bitter nail polish. It’s a colorful tool that helps people develop healthier nail habits and boost their confidence. It pays to try different brands and variations to find the one that best suits individual needs. With patience and determination, nail biting can be successfully overcome and hands allowed to show their fullest glory.
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