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Original poster

Please help cure me from chewing my fingers!!!

46 replies

TruffleHeart · 27/12/2020 21:33

I have a horrible habit of picking the skin off the sides of my fingers, then chewing it.

I make my fingers bleed, and I often have to put germolene on them at night to stop them hurting. I've recently realised I've ground down my front teeth from all the chewing..!

I've had this habit my whole life pretty much. I've tried that nail-bite lotion stuff, but it doesn't work - I just chew past the taste. The only times I've ever managed to stop completely is when I've been travelling in countries with less sanitary conditions, which persuades me not to put my fingers in my mouth due to germs - and also when I've been in hospital, for the same reason of avoiding germs.

I had actually hoped that COVID would put me off, as I don't want to put my fingers in my mouth. But I've realised that it doesn't really apply when I'm at home and I know my hands are clean!

Does anyone have any suggestions for a cure?!?

OP posts:
LynetteScavo · 27/12/2020 21:43

Have you tried stop n grow?

Wigeon · 27/12/2020 21:53

I pick the skin round my fingers until they bleed, and it’s definitely linked to feeling anxious or worried, and I do it when I’m sitting down often at my work computer. I’ve found that I need something to fiddle with - an elastic band, a hair band, some blue tack, a bit of paper to roll up and twiddle - that really really helps.

booksandwool · 27/12/2020 21:55

I often make mine bleed, and like you have done it for years. Am hoping someone comes along with great ideas! I feel so embarrassed at how my hands look.

ArthurShelbysTash · 27/12/2020 21:58

I do this. Painting my nails helps. While I'm working from home I've been using Rimmel Super Gel, it's not something I'd do when I'm in the office because I don't want to draw attention to my awful fingers.
I find that if my nails look nice it kind of makes me stop and think about what I'm doing.

Meepmeeep · 27/12/2020 21:59

Get your nails done. Once I started getting my nails it stopped me biting. They’re not perfect now but so, so much better,

Original poster
TruffleHeart · 27/12/2020 22:02

Yes, when I've had my nails done in the past it has helped me stop. But I have terrible nails too, they split and flake as soon as they get long.

I too am embarrassed at the way my hands look. And they HURT!

My baby nephew used to ask me what was wrong with my hands when he held my hand sometimes.

OP posts:
Rina66 · 27/12/2020 22:02

I think gel nails massively help with this. For me the gels stop my hands being so affected and drying out by cleaning products, Flash is a particular culprit. They almost form a protective layer which seems to help with the surrounding skin.
It’s this year that’s made me realise, with nail salons being closed, my cuticles and fingers are rough, cracked and sore again - not experienced it for the last 15 years since I’ve been having my nails done fortnightly.

Wolfiefan · 27/12/2020 22:03

I find something else to do with my hands helps! Craft or a puzzle.

Soutiner · 27/12/2020 22:05

Cotton gloves?

SwanShaped · 27/12/2020 22:06

It can be a bit like OCD. Have you looked at this? Might help with some tips.

www.ocduk.org/related-disorders/skin-picking/

WishingHopingThinkingPraying · 27/12/2020 22:07

I did it for 25 years. Hated it and so painful.

Fixed it overnight by getting engaged and getting a nice big diamond that everyone asked to see. Couldn't bear to show my bloody, swollen fingers so stopped immediately.

Any chance you could get engaged?

Original poster
TruffleHeart · 27/12/2020 22:11

I got engaged during lockdown Grin but not many people around to show my ring to! Besides, I don't tend to chew my ring finger - it's my thumbs, index and middle fingers.

I do think it's some sort of compulsive habit

OP posts:
Diddlysquatty · 27/12/2020 22:17

I had a thread about a year ago about this and I would say I’ve pretty much cracked it although still don’t last too long if they’re not ‘done’

  • I went to a salon and had acrylics on (false tips) with gel or sns powder on top
  • that lasted about 3 weeks. I went back to get them redone. Depending on your nail length it might be sufficient for your own nails to grow out underneath and then have sns on top (I find it harder wearing than gel but prefer gel on the acrylics as otherwise it looks a bit thick)
Or you might have to have it done with tips one more time.

I find for me it really helps me break the habit of putting my fingers in my mouth. I was a life long nail/skin biter too.

It gives me a lot of joy now to look down at nice nails

LagneyandCasey · 27/12/2020 22:19

Willpower is the only thing that really works. You have to make a conscious decision to stop. Once you get past the first few days you'll see some healing and you won't want to ruin that. I would recommend getting a soft nail file and some lovely hand cream. Gently file your fingers so you have no 'bits' of skin to tempt you to pick or bite, then apply the cream. Do this everytime you are tempted. Cotton gloves are good as a physical barrier to your fingers.
The very best of luck to you Flowers. I once but my nails so badly I got a terrible infection in both thumbs. It was a turning point and I'm a few years 'clean' now.

Sewrainbow · 27/12/2020 22:43

Following with interest. Good to hear some of you have stopped this. Jigsaws and sewing help me along with moisturising.

SingleHandSue · 27/12/2020 23:02

I’ve done this all my life too. I don’t like how it looks or how it often really hurts but I don’t feel like I can stop, it’s a major crutch and the thought of not doing it makes me weirdly panicky.

DS2 does it too and I’m ashamed that he’s picked up this habit from me.

Medievalist · 27/12/2020 23:10

I do think it's some sort of compulsive habit

I do it too. It's this - www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-picking-disorder/

TheLongRider · 27/12/2020 23:16

Finding a non-sticky handcream helped me to break the habit. If my skin and nails are smooth then it is not as attractive to pick.

Nail polish of any sort also helps. If I keep my hands looking nice or at least make an effort it's easier to stop for longer.

FloorLamp · 27/12/2020 23:16

I was told to pick one finger to pick/chew/bite and only go for that one. I chose my pinky on my left hand. Maybe that might help?

OxfordwillsaveusbyFebruary · 27/12/2020 23:21

Acrylic nails with gel and then as they grow out just gel nails.

Highfalutinlootin · 27/12/2020 23:25

Three things helped me:

  1. Get your nails done and keep them up with constant trimming, filing, polishing etc. Way less likely to pick when nothing is ragged.
  2. When at home, chew gum or a baby pacifier (not sure what they're called in the UK). I know it sounds nuts, but having something in your moth to sort of chew on is so helpful.
  3. Lower your anxiety and monitor your triggers. Easier said than done, I know. But I find I only used to do it when working on something difficult, so if I started I'd go clip my nails and grab something to chew to stop it.
Original poster
TruffleHeart · 28/12/2020 00:06

I definitely do it more when I'm anxious or stressed. But I do it all the time anyway.

Filing the rough skin and using moisturizer is a really good idea. I've done that in the past and it does help.

I do it loads in the car when I'm driving. So I could wear gloves to drive. That would help.

I have considered constantly smearing my hands in dirt - as I know that's what stopped me when travelling (the risk of germs). Not really that practical in the home though!

OP posts:
Original poster
TruffleHeart · 28/12/2020 00:08

Acrylic nails would last 5 mins with my lifestyle. I've had manicures in the past, and it's really lovely. But there's no point when I'm permanently at home now anyway - who would ever see them!

OP posts:
Original poster
TruffleHeart · 28/12/2020 00:08

I could paint my nails though. Worth a try.

OP posts:
Diddlysquatty · 28/12/2020 07:57

@TruffleHeart the acrylics I’ve had feel very secure and I only have them just past the end of my finger, so they don’t look false or talon like. SNS is very hard wearing.
The point is that your own nails are protected from being bitten and you can’t bite them so hopefully you get out of the habit, although I guess in theory I could still access the skin around I don’t seem to do that either (tho would usually)