A specific term for inability to stop picking nails?

I was reading a thread about the condition where you can't stop pulling your hair, and I was wondering if there's a term for picking your nails? (note: not biting them, but using a nail on one hand to pick a nail on another hand)

I've had this 'problem' since as far back as I can remember. Most of the time I don't realise I'm doing it, and I can't really stop myself from doing it when nervous or agitated. I've tried (i sound like an alcholic) to stop several times, I've grown them fully back about twice in the past two years, but as quickly as an afternoon of nervousness and they're gone again! As I'm wrirting this, I'm embarking on yet another mission of no-nail-picking. Hopefully this one will be more successful..

Think I might just buy a pair gloves.

Reply 1

Vampyrcorn

14

I do it too, especially when nervous. I think that the most appropriate term is 'lack of self control'.

Reply 2

cutcopy

OP

haha, I think you're right there.

Reply 3

yellow96

15

My friend has this, but she tends to pick at the skin around her nails too. I don't think she particularly wants to stop, but we try to bring it to her attention whenever she does it. Maybe ask your friends to stop you when they see you doing it? You could also try using some of that awful tasting nail polish stuff, so that it'll rub off on your fingers and then you'll taste it when you eat crisps or something. My friend tried this and ended up throwing up everywhere while she was in the car with me on a driving lesson.. but at least it made an impression. :biggrin:

Reply 4

AngelOfAges

Well nail biting is called onychophagia and skin/nail picking seems to be called Psychogenic excoriation. Though I hope you don't have it bed enough to make yourself bleed (I have been known to when I'm really stressed).

Reply 5

erk

14

i do it. i also bite the skin. i got used to the nail polish stuff, didn't bother me!

Reply 6

PinkMobilePhone

Chat Forum Helper, Life & Style Forum Helper

22

I do it too - and pick the skin around the nail.

I bite occasionnaly also but the picking is much more what I do.

The state of my nails and surrounding skin is absolutely horrific to be honest. I'm constantly making myself bleed around the fingernail area.

Reply 7

Sianey

I do this too, but only the nail itself, not the skin around it. I have horrid shaped nails too though, so they look truly awful!!

Reply 8

Altocirrus

2

I never used to before I came to uni, but I think I'll be down to the bone soon what with all these exams :eek:

Reply 9

Danielle89

14

Im very nervous and anxious and self-conscious as a person so I tend to just pick at my nails, not necessarily tearing them but like, scraping under the nail if that makes sense? If its bad then I end up damaging the nail but its whenever Im walking on my own or sitting alone. I used to bite them when I was younger but now its the picking thing. I also tend to scratch lightly at my neck, as if groping for a necklace and if I wear a bracelet I tend to pull at that too. I think its just a fiddling disorder or something, but its getting worse. I cant just walk along with my hands by my sides lol.

Reply 10

Angrybanana

11

I'm glad this thread has appeared, I just can't leave the cuticles and skin around the nails alone and I often don't stop until they bleed, I don't even know why I do it.

Reply 11

AngelOfAges

You can be treated if it's really bad, It's starting to be viewed along the scale of ocd type problems. I wouldn't really want to go to my doctor and try and persuade them it's a real problem though, the one I've got at uni would for sure see me as a time waster. I'd like not to be embarrassed of my fingers, and my toes :frown:

Reply 12

Angrybanana

11

AngelOfAges

You can be treated if it's really bad, It's starting to be viewed along the scale of ocd type problems. I wouldn't really want to go to my doctor and try and persuade them it's a real problem though, the one I've got at uni would for sure see me as a time waster. I'd like not to be embarrassed of my fingers, and my toes :frown:

Agreed. It may not look nice, but if it isn't getting in the way of your life there's no point in making a big deal out of it. I think, for me anyhow, it's just a way of getting rid of nervous energy.

Reply 13

rotor

14

I do it to, especially the skin area around my nail.
I know its disgusting, especially when it bleeds ;(

Reply 14

blissy

15

I do it too! But at the skin, not at the nails.

It's impossible to stop. Fact*.

(*may not be a fact)

Reply 15

Angrybanana

11

blissy

I do it too! But at the skin, not at the nails.

It's impossible to stop. Fact*.

(*may not be a fact)

I know this is off topic, but I like your avatar, it's weird but oddly hilarious...:wtf?: :laugh:

what on earth are they doing?

Reply 16

blissy

15

Angrybanana

I know this is off topic, but I like your avatar, it's weird but oddly hilarious...:wtf?: :laugh:

what on earth are they doing?

Disco dancing. I saw a video of it on youtube and wanted it as my avatar. A very kind member of TSR did it for me.

Reply 17

cutcopy

OP

AngelOfAges

the one I've got at uni would for sure see me as a time waster.

I imagine we'd be told to just 'stop doing it'. Easier said than done when you've done it subconciously for 18 years!

Reply 18

AngelOfAges

Yeah I'm always being told by my boyfriend to stop! I get into these almost destructive "grooming" habits. If I'm not allowed to pick my nails I cut them too close, or as a girl I have to stop myself over plucking myeyebrows. It's really annoying but half the time I really don't notice I'm doing it! Especially since I just quit my addiction to chewing gum, I must have a very addictive personality :rolleyes:

Reply 19

and7barton

I think this problem is akin to masturbation, but who would want to stop masturbation ?
I've picked my nails since a baby....... I'm now approaching a significant birthday and I am going to try and stop from that point on, To make it like a kind of a milestone. This worked a few years ago for another unwanted habit that I had, which was bingeing on chocolate. I stopped it dead at that date.

A specific term for inability to stop picking nails?

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