Can Nails-Biting Lead to Infections and What to Do About It

Yes, biting your fingernails can lead to infections. When you bite your nails, you may create small tears or wounds in the skin around your nails, allowing bacteria and fungi to enter. This can result in a variety of infections, including paronychia, fungal infections, and herpetic infections. Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding nail-biting can help reduce the risk of these infections.

Common Infections from Nail-Biting

One of the most common infections caused by nail-biting is paronychia, which is an infection of the skin around the nail. It is often characterized by redness, swelling, and pus. Fungal infections can also occur, as biting your nails can introduce fungi that can affect the nails and the surrounding skin. In some cases, if you have a cold sore (herpes simplex virus), biting your nails can spread the virus to your fingers, causing a herpetic infection.

Mouth Germs and Nail-Biting

The human mouth is a host to a variety of germs. When you bite your nails, you risk introducing bacteria under the skin through any tears or punctures caused by your biting habit. People who bite their nails often also chew on hangnails and their cuticles. This chewing can lead to the tearing of the hyponychium, the area under the nail, and the nail bed. The moist spit can free the organisms living in the nail area, leading to a disease called paronychia.

Types of Organisms Involved in Infections

The most common bacterial organism involved in nail-biting infections is Staphylococcus aureus. Other microorganisms include Streptococcus and Pseudomonas species. Fungal infections, known as onychomycosis, are relatively difficult to treat because they affect the nail and require regular medication over an extended period, often several months, until the infected nail grows out.

Nail-Biting as a Complex Habit

What is not frequently known is that nail-biting can be a complex motor tic. People who bite their nails may also engage in other tics such as toe-tapping, knee bouncing, hair twirling, skin-picking, and beard grooming. This behavior can be especially concerning if it becomes life-threatening through infections. Treatment for nail-biting, especially if it is severe, should be sought from a neurologist or a psychiatrist.

Treatment and Prevention

If you notice signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus, it is best to consult a healthcare professional. Here are a few tips to prevent infections:

Maintain good hygiene by washing your hands frequently and keeping your nails clean and trimmed. Avoid nail-biting by finding alternative habits or using protective nail polish or nail sleeves. Keep your nails short and clean to reduce the likelihood of ingesting debris. Consider using tools like bitter-tasting nail polish to deter nail-biting.

By understanding the risks and taking preventive steps, you can avoid infections and maintain healthy nails.