Since I got psoriasis I have not bitten my nails. (You can see a sample of what my nails looked like here. You'll have to scroll down to the last picture.) I attribute this to two things. 1 - my hands were swollen so much that I couldn't bite my nails. And then my hands hurt so much that I couldn't. 2 - I just don't have the urge to anymore.
I haven't replaced the behavior with anything...except blogging. But I don't blog all day long.
The what's and why's of nail biting:
Compulsive nail biting is often observed in people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder. The most well-understood form of compulsive self-mutilation is trichotillomania or hair pulling, and this also tends to disproportionately afflict people with OCD. Because it is a repetitive behavior and common in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, is sometimes considered a related OC spectrum disorder. These disorders tend to run in families.
There are several reasons why nail-biters continue their behaviors, and it can be more that just a matter of will-power.
- Self-Soothing: When stressed, many people feel a need for self-soothing and find they feel better when they bite their nails. It has a sort of calming effect on their nervous systems and reduces levels of stimulation.
- Stimulation: On the other hand, when people are bored or inactive, nail-biting may provide a needed level of stimulation for the nervous system. It may help keep a person alert or awake when they would otherwise become bored or distracted.
- Perfectionism: Nail-biters may spend hours examining their nails or fingers for the tiniest irregularity and then try to fix it, in hopes of achieving an improved appearance. Paradoxically, the nail-biting always ends up with the nails looking much worse in spite of their efforts.
Nail-biting can result in a self-perpetuating cycle. Nail-biting may lead to shame and anxiety, which can result in more of the behavior.
the above is from http://www.brainphysics.com/nail-biting.php
The GAPS diet claims to help those with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. "Children and young adults with ADHD/ADD, OCD, depression and other neuro-psychological problems are very often reported to suffer from digestive abnormalities."
Did the GAPS diet help with my nail biting? I would like to think so. My psoriasis has cleared up tremendously on my hands now. My fingertips have been healed for over a week now and I have no compulsion to bite my nails.
