HOMOEOPATHY FOR NAIL BITING OR ONYCHOPHAGIA

Nail biting  or Onychophagia can be a temporary , relatively nondestructive behavior that is merely a cosmetic concern, but it can also develop into a severe , long term problem. It is considered a pathological oral habit and grooming disorder characterized by chronic, seemingly uncontrollable nail biting that is destructive to fingernails and surrounding tissue.

People of all ages bite their nails. Nail biting is a common and frustrating habit for many children, teens, and parents. About half of all children ages 10-18 years bite their nails at one time or another. Nail biting occurs most often during puberty. Even though some young adults , ages 18 to 22 years, bite their nails. Only a small number of other adults bite their nails. Most people stop biting their nails on their own by age 30. Boys bite their nails more often than girls after age 10.

Nail biting may occur with other body –focused behaviors, such as hair pulling or skin picking.

Causes

·         There may be a genetic link to nail biting behavior.

·         Associated with anxiety , because this act relieves stress, tension, or boredom.

·         It can be a habit transferred from earlier thumb or finger sucking habit.

Symptoms

·         Visible damage to fingernails

·         Cause mouth injuries , dental problems, abscesses and infections.

·         The unattractive appearance of physical damage to skin and nails may cause feeling of shame, embarrassment, and guilt, leading to complicated family and social relationships.

·         It can be associated with deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, separation anxiety, enuresis, tic disorder and other mental issues.

Nail –biting risks

Some of the risks of nail biting include :

·         Soreness or infection in and on the skin around the nails.

·         Damage to the tissue that makes the nails grow

·         Changes in how your nails look

·         Abnormal growth

·         More frequent colds and other illness from placing dirty fingers in mouth

·         Damage to teeth from chewing hard nails.

Prevention

Some tips for preventing the habit of nail biting behavior.

·         Cut nails short—If there’s not enough nail to grab with your teeth , it won’t feel as satisfying when you give biting a try.

·         Coat nails with a bad taste---There are special nail polishes with a bitter flavor you can paint on your nails. The terrible taste will make you think twice before chewing

·         Splurge on manicures—Spending money and time at a nail salon will give you both good looking nails and a reason to keep them that way.

·         Wear gloves—If you wear gloves, you can’t bite them. Also try stickers cover the nails.

·         Find your triggers—Notice how you feel or what you are doing when you bite your nails. Once you know what kicks you into nail-biting drive , you can try to find other ways to cope.

·         Keep your hands or mouth busy.—Find something to fiddle with – a stress ball, a worry stone, or even a pen to click. Chew gum so your mouth has a job. Give your nail-biting energy another place to go .

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When nail biting  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

ARGENTUM NITRICUM 200----Argentum nitricum is one of the best remedies for nail biting due to nervous irritation.  The patient have great anxiety, fear and  persistent impulsive thoughts.  He imagines that he cannot pass a certain point.  Peculiar mental impulses.  Impulse to jump when crossing a bridge or from a window. Impulsive , want to do things in a hurry. Fears and anxieties and hidden irrational motives for actions. Dreads ordeals. Fear  of impending  evil of crowds, passing a certain point of high buildings of dark. Fear of heights, flying in airplanes . The sight of high buildings makes him giddy and causes him to stagger, it seems houses on both sides of street would approach and crush him. The person is timid and anxious, panic and anxiety attacks common.

AMMONIUM BROMATUM 30—Ammonium bromatum is another remedy for nail biting , which is due to nervous irritation. Irritable feeling in fingernails , better by biting it.

CALCAREA CARB 200—Calcarea carb is suited to fair fatty child with  large and hard abdomen. They are easily frightened or offended. Child afraid of everything he sees. They are susceptible to cold. Catch cold very easily. Profuse sweating easily , especially on head and chest during sleep. Children are slow in teething and walk late. Craving for indigestible things like dirt, chalk, coal, pencils is a leading symptom of Calcarea carb. Also they prefer for eggs.

CINA 200—Cina is best for nail biting seen in children due to worm troubles. In children there is extremes ill-humor and naughtiness. Child is very cross , dost not want to be touched or carried. Desires many things , but rejects everything offered. Irritation. Irritation of the nose, causing constant desire to rub, prick or press into it. Grinding of teeth during sleep is another character of Cina.

MEDORRHINUM 200—Medorrhinum is indicated for nail biting in nervous  restless person. They are hurried and anxious. They feel time passes too slowly. Feels life unreal, everything seems unreal.  Fear in the dark and of some one behind her. Melancholy with suicidal thoughts. Difficulty in concentration.

NATRUM MURIATICUM 200—Natrum muriaticum is best nail biting seen in children due to nervous irritation. They are depressed and introverted. They are irritable and cannot cry in front of others. Children learn to talk slowly. Awkward in talking, hasty, drops things. They prefer for salt and salty foods.