Effective Ways to Stop Nail Picking - RemoteDerm (2024)

Nail picking is a morbid habit that can result in skin infections and other dangerous health problems, especially causing nails to be damaged. Taking part in self-nail picking or the surrounding skin may seem to be a minor practice, but actually, it is the most vital thing to do for your health and your appearance. This paper will delineate the strategies to address the issue of nail-picking, the significance of adequate nail hygiene, and the available treatment alternatives in Canada.

Contents hide

1 Understanding Nail Picking

1.1 Why Do People Pick Their Nails?

2 How to Stop Picking Your Nails and Fingers

3 How to Stop Picking Skin Around Nails

4 Nail Care Tips to Prevent Picking

5 Nail Disease Chart: Common Nail Issues

6 Online Nail Treatment in Canada

7 Final Thoughts

Understanding Nail Picking

Nail picking is an obsessive disorder that is characterized by the act of making scratches to the nails or the area surrounding them. Besides it can look like a observation of the moon light, it can also have destructive effects such as:

  • Nail infections
  • Skin tears
  • Permanent nail damage
  • Increased risk of nail diseases

Why Do People Pick Their Nails?

Identifying what comes at the bottom of the nail-biting habit is the first step toward stopping it. People pick their nails for different reasons, including:

  • Stress or anxiety relief
  • Boredom or habit
  • Nail irregularities or discomfort
  • Skin conditions

How to Stop Picking Your Nails and Fingers

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Overcoming the habit of nail picking is a lengthy process and requires constant effort. Here are some strategies to help you overcome this habit:

1. Keep Your Hands Busy

Nail biting, which can be distracted by a fidget toy or stress ball, can be dealt with by taking up a hobby. Activities like knitting or drawing can also help reduce the habit.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can be used to gain insight into the situation when you are inclined to nail-biting and why you choose such an action. Deep breathing and relaxation exercises can be very helpful for people who pick their nails as a result of stress management to cope with the issue.

3. Maintain Proper Nail Care

Correct nail care is absolutely important. Regularly trim and file nails to minimize rough edges, creaming the hands makes the skin smoother, lessens the tendency of one to pick.

4. Apply Bitter-Tasting Nail Polish

These types of nail polish are made especially to prevent biting the nails and peeling off them. The bad flavor can be a reminder for you to calm down and keep your hands to yourself.

How to Stop Picking Skin Around Nails

Many nail pickers also face the problem of picking the skin surrounding the nails. Here’s how to stop this behavior:

  • Keep the Skin Hydrated: One can use a thick hand cream or ointment to exert the effect of preventing the dryness that can be possible to lead to picking. Or you may use cuticle oil every day to feed nail beds giving them good health.
  • Cover Your Fingers: Gloves or finger covers can be used to protect your nails and skin, especially if you tend to pick them unconsciously.
  • Identify Triggers: Be aware of the situations that make you peel your skin, for example at work when you are stressed or when the meetings you attend are too boring. Once you have identified these triggers, create plans for either avoiding them or coping with them in a more beneficial way.

Nail Care Tips to Prevent Picking

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Grooming your nails can distract you from the habit of picking at them. Here are a few simple nail care practices to follow:

  • Keep your cuticles safe by sharpening nails regularly.
  • Massage your nails and cuticles with the oil or cream to give them nutrition.
  • Don’t use chemical treatments that can make your nails weak or brittle.
  • Professional manicures work for the maintenance of your nails’ health and appearance.

Nail Disease Chart: Common Nail Issues

It is very important to identify the potential condition in the nail disease chart that can be caused by the habit of nail picking. Such diseases can be:

  • Paronychia: A bacterial or fungal infection around the nail bed.
  • Onychomycosis: A fungal infection which causes the nails to become discoloration and brittle.
  • Hangnails: Small ruptures in the skin close to the nails, they can be painful and lead to infection.

Keep your nails neat and pleasant to avoid these problems. If you are one of those who are noticing nail disease signs, it would be a good idea to start seeking online nail fungus treatments available in Canada for early intervention.

Online Nail Treatment in Canada

Nail fungus caused by nail picking can be treated with many online platforms such as RemoteDerm in Canada. More serious cases might require you to consult a dermatologist at an online nail fungus treatment service to get accurate diagnosis and prescription medications.

Final Thoughts

Nail picking is a habit that can damage your nails and skin if not treated properly. The fact is, you can quit nail biting and fingers picking through healthy nail care routines and mindfulness techniques. If you are having a hard time, online resources and treatments are available, especially in Canada, that can help you keep your nails healthy. Keep in mind that breaking a habit takes time, so be patient with yourself as you go through the process.

FAQs

Can nail picking lead to permanent damage?
Yes, chronic nail picking can indeed be a cause for permanent damage to the nail bed, and the results of long-term nail deformities or infections.

Is nail picking related to anxiety?
Definitely, many people pick their nails as a response to either anxiety or stress. The act of identifying and addressing the underlying anxiety may help reduce the habit of nail picking.

What are some alternatives to bitter-tasting nail polish?
Alternatives include wearing some gloves, applying band-aids to your fingers, or using fidget toys to distract yourself from picking.

Is there any natural remedy for nail infections?
Yes, tea tree oil, and coconut oil have antifungal properties and can be used as natural treatments for mild nail infections. Always check with a physician before trying any new medications.

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Dr.Bahman Sotoodian

Dr. Bahman Sotoodian is a double board-certified dermatologist in USA & Canada. He graduated as the top 1% student at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada from the challenging electronic engineering program. He subsequently attained his MD from the prestigious University of British Columbia, Vancouver. As one of only 25 medical students across Canada, he was privileged to match to a rigorous five-year dermatology program at the University of Alberta, Edmonton.

Effective Ways to Stop Nail Picking - RemoteDerm (2024)
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