Replied By Tricia (Ireland) on 10/10/2009
What worked for me was to poliah my nails with a clear nail polish. When I would become conscious of biting my nail tips i would switch to biting the nail polish. While, in some ways it is replacing one disorder with another, as my nails started to grow and harden againg I found myself not wanting to ruin how they looked and eventually stopped biting altogether. It would probobly be a good idea to use a nail hardener while you are doing this as constant biting does weaken them. Also keep a nail file handy as if there are breaks or uneven edges it is too tempting to bite to stop them catching. Good luck as it is a very hard habit to break. Worse than smoking when it comes to a habit as you have to consciously go get a cigarette, your hands are just there.Replied By Jeannie (Franklin, Wi) on 07/10/2010
I discovered this totally by accident and I have no clue why this works for me, but it does every time so far. If I drink tea with blackstrap molasses for approx. 3-7 days, I quit biting my nails and they seem to get stronger too. I'm assuming its the vitamins and minerals in the BSM, but I'm only guessing.Replied By Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/23/2012
What worked for me is taking better care of my nails, and my cuticles especially. And also I began to be more motivated to have them look nice for interviews and social outings. When I would be tempted I would think 'do I really want the group to see my damaged nail if I do this now?' at least wait'. When a dangling bit of cuticle or skin would tempt me, I would use my nippers (not regular nail clippers) to trim it down so I wouldn't be distracted anymore. I even keep a pair of nippers in my car so something won't bother me the whole time I'm out. Between that and keeping the ridges buffed and tips filed and using cuticle oil (olive, almond or commercial cuticle oil) regularly really inspired me to keep them in better shape. It isn't an overnight fix but will trend better with time and improve.Replied By Kay (FL, US) on 08/26/2014
Obsessive nail biting/chewing can be a sign of PICA, a symptom of iron deficiency (very common in women who are still menstruating). So try getting more iron in your diet (red meat, spinach, plumbs, prunes, blackstrap molasses, etc) and see it that helps. Also make sure your daily vitamin is made for women your age (thus has the proper amount of iron in it). If warranted, ask your doctor to measure your iron levels; you may need an iron supplement (especially if you have other symptoms like feeling run down, your blood is not bright red, inner eyelids are pale; these are all signs of anemia).Replied By Blue Sky (Toronto) on 09/02/2021
Ted's remedy of using:
1/8 tsp (one, eighth of a teaspoon) Borax for women, OR,
1/4 tsp (one, fourth of a teaspoon) Borax for men,
and 1 (one) capful of 3% (three percent) hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
in 1 (one) liter of distilled water,
and drinking that 1 (one) liter every day, for a few weeks,
has eliminated nail biting. nails are growing faster as well.
I was not expecting that. I hope that helps.