loader image
Saturday, October 25, 2025
80.2 F
McAllen
- Advertisement -

Biting Your Nails is Risky Business

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

While it may seem harmless, nail biting can actually increase your risk of infection. Image for illustration purposes
While it may seem harmless, nail biting can actually increase your risk of infection. Image for illustration purposes
- Advertisement -

CLEVELAND CLINIC – Did you bite your nails today?

While it may seem harmless, nail biting can actually increase your risk of infection.

“Nail biting can cause small injuries around the nail, allowing bacteria, viruses and fungi to enter. This may lead to an infection called paronychia, which causes inflammation of the nail fold,” explained Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, a dermatologist for Cleveland Clinic.

- Advertisement -

If you see signs of an infection, Dr. Khetarpal said to avoid picking at the area and see a doctor if things don’t improve within a few days.

Along with infections, chronic nail biting can change how your nails look and grow as well.

Repeated trauma affects the nail bed and cuticle, leading to uneven growth, ridges and hangnails.

And the more you bite your nails, the harder it is for them to heal.

- Advertisement -

That’s why Dr. Khetarpal said it’s important to find ways to avoid the habit.

“If you’re looking to kick the habit, you can try bitter-tasting nail lacquers or keeping your nails short to reduce biting,” Dr. Khetarpal said. “However, it’s important to address any underlying issues that may be driving you to bite your nails. There’s no magic fix – it’s all about finding what works best for each person.”

If you notice any long-term issues from nail biting, Dr. Khetarpal recommends seeing a dermatologist to address those.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

Why You Should Avoid Doomscrolling

“Doomscrolling is when you’re so intensely focused on social media that it becomes problematic. You lose time, and you lose a sense of clarity in terms of what you’re actually reading and how it’s affecting you,” explained Adam Borland, PsyD, a psychologist with Cleveland Clinic. 

STHS Donates $5,000 to TSTC Foundation for Educational Scholarships

Mega Doctor News Providing essential diagnostic, therapeutic and direct care services that support...

Common Toxin Linked to Liver Disease 

Now, a new study published in Liver International from Keck Medicine of USC reveals that tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and found in consumer products such as adhesives for arts and crafts, spot cleaners and stainless steel polish, may also be harmful to the liver.

University of Houston & DHR Health Multi-Million Dollar Medical Research & Education Center in the RGV

The University of Houston and DHR Health Hospital System today announced an agreement to establish The University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center in the Rio Grande Valley.
- Advertisement -
×