Browse the nails go beyond the mania: discover how habit affects emotional health, its causes and suggestions to overcome the problem. Understand onyanophagia!
Browse the nails, a behavior officially called onicophagia, affects between 20% and 30% of the world population. Although it seems only an automatic gesture, psychologists warn that the act is deeply linked to emotional factors.
Emotional roots of habit
Stress, acute anxiety and even boredom situations are often the triggers that lead to the repetitive behavior of the nail bite. For many, it is a rapid relief strategy in the face of the emotional pressure of everyday life.
Genetic predisposition
The research shows that about a third of the people with this habit has families who also present it, indicating that the predisposition can be inherited.
Is there a connection with perfectionism?
Perfectionism is another important factor: small failures for nails or cuticles cause the possibility to correctly correct, making the act recurring.
Health impacts
Although it looks harmless, onicophagia can cause serious health problems:
- Favor the entry of bacteria, increasing the risk of finger and body infection.
- Continue wear can cause dental problems, bruxism and gingival retraction.
- MANUAL FUNCTIONS OF Precision of damaged nails and daily activities.
Because habit is difficult to eliminate
The emotional and genetic connection makes the habit resistant, especially if associated with situations of chronic anxiety or more intense emotional disorders.
Strategies to overcome
Experts indicate some measures to control onicophagia:
- Use bitter taste enamels to inhibit practice.
- Carefully take care of the nails to reduce temptation.
- Adopt relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
- Keep your hands busy with anti -stale balls or other objects.
When looking for professional help
If the behavior is related to serious emotional images, such as anxiety disorders, it is recommended to follow -psychological.
The routine can help
The changes in the routine and in the environment, as well as small car strategies -they are essential for those who try to overcome the habit of biting their nails.
Trigger and prevention
Identifying situations that work as a trigger is the first step towards control. Full attention and relaxation techniques have been effective in many cases.
A sign that deserves attention
Navigating the nails is a habit that may seem simple, but acts as a warning for latent emotional problems. Looking for help and adopting strategies is essential to preserve physical and emotional health.
Source: Terra

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