7 Consequences You Can Suffer From Biting Your Nails

Did you know that, beyond affecting aesthetics and self-esteem, nail biting can cause gastrointestinal problems and even weaken our immune system?

Onychophagia is the bad habit of biting your nails. It is a psychological disorder linked to alterations in the nervous system that induce states of anxiety and stress. It often affects children and adolescents. Of these, only a small number of cases are maintained into adulthood.

It can be considered as an aesthetic problem, due to the appearance it gives to the hands. However, it is a condition that goes further. And it is that it not only reflects emotional imbalances, but it can influence the appearance of some symptoms and diseases.

Bacteria that come into contact between teeth and nails, in addition to inflammation, lead to a series of negative reactions that are manifested in various aspects of health.

Taking into account that many still do not know it, in this space we want to share the 7 main consequences that appear for biting your nails.

Discover them!

7 consequences you can suffer from biting your nails

1. Nail infections

Biting your nails not only prevents them from growing in a healthy way. It also increases the risk of bacterial and yeast infections.

This habit generates a weakening both in the structure of the nail and in its surrounding skin. Therefore, it facilitates the attack of harmful microorganisms.

Due to this, annoyances such as:

• Irritation and redness around the nails.
• Burning sensation or pain
• Pus around the nail.
• Changes in the color and texture of the nails.

2. Gastrointestinal infections

Although we cannot see it with the naked eye, bitten nails create a perfect environment for the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella .

These microorganisms grow easily in the moist environment of the nails and the mouth, and can easily pass to the gastrointestinal system, where they cause various types of infections.

3. Warts

People who tend to bite their nails frequently tend to develop warts more easily than those who do not have this bad habit.

This symptom is caused by one of the subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Since the contact between the nails and the mouth facilitates its spread, it can originate in various parts of the body.

They are quite common among children, not only because they are the ones who tend to eat their nails the most, but because their immune systems are less developed.

4. Anxiety

The action of biting the nails, which is usually unconscious, is one of the body’s reactions to states of stress and anxiety. Although for the moment it allows to create a feeling of calm in the nervous system, its lack of control can lead to compulsive behaviors of greater care.

The mouth is one of the sectors with the highest number of nerve endings. Therefore, this act becomes the method to handle emotional imbalances.

However, when it is repeated over and over again, the anxiety is not managed properly and remains longer.

5. Dental diseases

Recurrent nail biting increases the risk of developing oral diseases due to weakening of the teeth and gums. The upper teeth can slip out of their natural position and sometimes affect the bite.

On the other hand, teeth wear out. They lose the enamel that protects them against acids and microorganisms. As a result, bacterial and viral infections occur that, among other things, influence the appearance of bad breath.

6. Weakening of the immune system

Due to the large number of microorganisms that can reach your body after biting your nails, the immune system tends to weaken. Thus, the production of antibodies that defend the body against foreign agents decreases.

Those who have this bad habit are more susceptible to allergies, flu and colds.

7. Reduction in quality of life

Due to all the physical and emotional reactions involved in nail biting, those who cannot control it may present a significant reduction in their quality of life.

Patients remain anxious most of the time and, when they notice the appearance of their nails, they begin to have problems with self-esteem and self-confidence.

On the other hand, due to the role that nails play in personal image, there are likely to be some social repercussions as well.

After reading this article you will surely think twice before biting your nails. If you are part of the group of people who have not managed to quit this habit, start taking measures as soon as possible to avoid having to suffer these consequences.