Nail biting!

[elvislives2012]

I'm 39! I stopped sucking my thimb cold turkey 2 years ago (don't ask!) quit smoking but I can't stop biting my nails! Any tips? I can't wear coloured varnish as I'm a nurse....

I’m 47 I still bite mine. I’m now beyond caring, I’m a HCP and can’t grow my nails anyway so it always seems to be an exercise in futility trying to grow them..
I also bite the skin round my nails if my nails are too short. I’m sure there are more disgusting habits

You're right but they're SORE

Start by not biting the middle and ring fingers, after 3/4 weeks they will have grown sufficiently that you will not want to bite the again. Then stop biting your little fingernails. After another 2/3 weeks, stop biting your index fingernails. It will be easy to stop by the time you get to your thumbs. Use plenty of good hand and nail cream as they are growing, and a good barrier cream (the Norwegian one is excellent) at work.
This method sounds a bit daft, but it really works.

I was just going to start a thread to ask for tips, thanks Op! I loomso enviously at women with lovey glam manicured nails. My little stubbers are truly hideous but I can’t stop. I’ve stopped for a bit in the past and lovely having nice nails but always fallen back into it.

Acrylic over the top might stop it. You don't need tips put on so they'll not be too long for work. Yes, it's not great for nails but it should help break the habit - it's too solid to bite and you don't want to flip it off your nail ouch!

I finally managed to stop after 35 years by really looking after them. So filing rough edges, buffing them smooth, then putting a nourishing base coat and a clear top coat - did this once a week. Then using cuticle oil and hand cream several times a day - particularly if you find yourself chewing.

Mine were honestly awful - really really short and sore. But after a few days I saw some progress and it kept me going. I have had many relapses too but this method always seems to get me back on track again.

I did try having acrylics put on but ended up chewing at these too and my nails were in a terrible state once they came off.

You've obviously got tons of willpower if you've managed to stop thumb sucking and smoking! Best of luck

Huzzah Health care workers cannot wear any nail polish, acrylics, false nails etc of any description as it is contrary to the Hand hygiene policy. Any type of polish etc can harbour micro-organisms which can cause cross infection. The Op would find herself at risk of disciplinary action if she were found out.

I bit mine until my early twenties. I tried the horrible tasting clear stuff a few times - it did help.
Then I just decided one day I was going to stop, and just stopped.
(I did find after a few heavy nights I'd bitten the right down again, but they soon grew back)
I have absolutely no desire to bite them now, it's really strange!

@FadedRed Ah! In that case acrylic is a no go then.

Yes can't wear acrylics! Might try some clear varnish. Might help