This article was co-authored by Julia Yacoob, PhD. Dr. Julia Yacoob is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist practicing in New York City. She specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adults coping with a variety of symptoms and life stressors. Dr. Yacoob earned an MS and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rutgers University, and pursued specialized training at Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the Institute for Behavior Therapy, and Bellevue Hospital Cancer Center. Dr. Yacoob is a member of the American Psychological Association, Women’s Mental Health Consortium, NYC Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Association, and Association for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.
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Biting your fingers is a common symptom of anxiety or boredom. Like biting your lips or nails, it's probably something you do unconsciously when you need an outlet. If biting your fingers is an annoying bad habit you want to break, you can try using a bitter-tasting nail polish or a distraction technique to stop the behavior. For some people, finger biting is linked to a disorder called dermatophagia, similar to obsessive compulsive disorder. If this is true for you, seeking professional treatment can help you stop finger biting once and for all.
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References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/making-habits-breaking-habits/201301/how-stop-biting-your-nails
- ↑ Julia Yacoob, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
- ↑ Julia Yacoob, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
- ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/nail-care-secrets/basics/how-to-trim-nails
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/making-habits-breaking-habits/201301/how-stop-biting-your-nails
- ↑ Julia Yacoob, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
- ↑ Julia Yacoob, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
- ↑ Julia Yacoob, PhD. Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 15 July 2021.
- ↑ https://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/MuscleRelaxation.pdf
- ↑ https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/treatment/breathing-exercises
- ↑ https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/treatment/hypnosis
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/coping-with-anxiety/faq-20057987
- ↑ https://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety
- ↑ https://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/dermatophagia/intro.htm
- ↑ https://www.rightdiagnosis.com/d/dermatophagia/intro.htm
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/anxiety-medication.htm
About This Article
If you tend to bite your fingers when you’re bored or anxious, there are a few tricks to help you stop. Try painting your nails and fingertips with a bitter-tasting nail polish, vinegar, or lemon juice, which will be unpleasant when you bite your fingers. You can also cover your fingertips with bandages or clear tape to protect your skin and remind you not to bite. If you catch yourself getting stressed, take some deep breaths to help distract you from biting your fingers. If nothing works and you’re damaging your fingers, talk to a doctor to explore professional treatment options, like cognitive behaviorial therapy or medication. For more tips, including how to be mindful and recognize when you’re about to bite your fingers, read on.
Reader Success Stories
- "I used to bite my knuckles. It wasn't exactly the same as what this article described, but I found most of the tips supremely helpful, especially the keep-one-finger-safe technique. I do still have my urges, but my hands are starting to look normal and I'm feeling so much better. I'll definitely use these tips a lot!"..." more
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