symptoms

Onychophagy symptoms

Related articles: Onicophagy

Definition

Onychophagia is a compulsive disorder that consists of the habit of biting nails. This behavior is observed especially in periods of emotional instability, nervousness, boredom and stress. The desire to bite the nails, in fact, represents an aggressive vent performed unconsciously, which allows a strong internal tension to be discharged. For this reason, the individual with onychophagy unconsciously adopts a repetitive behavior in gnawing the nails, the cuticles and the cuticles around the nail plate. Onychophagia, in general, occurs during childhood and adolescence and, if neglected, can extend into adulthood.

Most common symptoms and signs *

  • Mood disorders
  • Pain, heat, redness and swelling of the finger
  • Subungual hemorrhage
  • leukonychia
  • Dental malocclusion
  • Nervousness
  • Blood in the stool
  • Rectal tenesmus
  • Nails with vertical lines
  • Brittle nails
  • Wavy nails
  • Wear of teeth

Further indications

In most cases, onychophagia is a transient and without consequences. However, the persistence of the disorder can cause pain, bleeding and redness of the nail bed, in addition to inducing damage to the epony, the portion of skin placed at the base and at the sides of the nail (cuticle). Possible consequences are the onychomycosis and the paterecium. Moreover, those who practice nail biting risk to carry the micro-organisms that are deposited under the nails to the mouth, facilitating the spread of infections.

Nail biting can lead to gum injury, tooth wear and malocclusion. Ingestion of nail residues can also cause stomach problems. Finally, onychophagia can interfere with normal nail growth and lead to the appearance of grooves, parallel ridges and other deformations. In the case of onicotillomania (destruction of the manipulation nail), subungual haemorrhages can also be observed.

Different approaches can help you stop biting your nails. The most common treatment involves applying a bitter-flavored glaze.