Often Unconsciously Done, Apparently There Are 7 Health Effects of Nail Biting Habits

Kapanlagi.com - Most people may not realize that biting nails can actually have several health impacts due to this habit. Although it may seem simple, the health effects of biting nails should not be underestimated. Damage to the nails, infections, and even affecting dental health can be caused by this habit.

Nails are part of the body that are located at the fingertips with a hard texture and a soft surface. It is known that nails are formed from proteins that are present in the body. In normal conditions, nails will grow an average of 0.5 - 1.5 mm. Interestingly, the condition of the nails can also be an indication of the body's health. Some indications of body health can be seen from the nails, such as changes in color, changes in texture, or nail growth.

The hardened surface of the nails can protect the skin from various dirt that is present on the hands. Not infrequently, most people who keep their nails long will find dirt in between their nails. Unfortunately, quite a few of them unconsciously often bite their nails. Usually, this reflex of biting nails occurs when they feel anxious and scared. However, it is better to stop this habit to avoid health effects on the body.

So what are the health effects of nail biting habits?

The health effects of nail biting habits are summarized in several points below. By knowing the health effects of nail biting habits, it can be a way to stop the side effects that arise from this activity. Here are 7 health effects of nail biting habits compiled from various sources.

1. Damage to Nails

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One of the health effects of the habit of biting nails is that it can cause damage to the nails. This impact is a common problem that often occurs when continuously biting nails. The nails will experience damage such as inflammation and swelling.

As reported by liputan6.com, saliva apparently has an effect on nail health. It is known that saliva contains compounds that can break down fats and food molecules. Although these compounds can provide benefits for health, saliva can also affect the condition of the nails when the habit of biting nails is performed. This impact can occur when the habit of continuously biting nails is done. In addition, this habit can also cause abnormal nail growth.

2. The Risk of Getting Disease Due to Bacteria in Nails

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The health impact of nail biting habits can also cause certain disease risks. As previously known, nails have the function of protecting the skin from dirt that is on the fingers and toes. The dirt can accumulate in the gaps of the nails, both on the inside and outside. Especially if you maintain long nails, it will store more dirt that accumulates if cleanliness is not well maintained.

In this case, if the habit of nail biting is done unconsciously, the dirt can enter the body. The dirt consists of various types of bacteria and germs that can cause disease risks.

3. Damaging Teeth

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In addition to damaging nails, the health impact of nail biting habits also affects dental health. This habit apparently can cause teeth to shift if done continuously. Moreover, strong pressure when biting nails can also cause teeth to easily become severe and damage tooth enamel. In addition, the bacteria and germs that are on the nails can infect the gums, which also causes health problems such as bad breath.

4. Stomach Pain

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The health impact of the habit of biting nails can also cause stomach pain due to bacteria and germs that are present on the nails. Especially if this habit is done when the hands are not clean, which actually increases the risk of certain diseases such as stomach pain. Because some activities often involve hands as an important part of daily life. Not only stomach pain, a series of diseases such as flu and inflammation can also arise from this habit.

5. Increasing Infection

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The health impact of nail biting habits can increase the risk of infection. One of the infections that can occur is paronychia, which occurs in the nails. Paronychia is a health problem that occurs in the nails due to fungus and bacteria. This condition can cause the nails to become brittle, change color, texture, and even develop red rashes around the nails.

In severe cases, paronychia can cause pain in the nails due to the presence of pus. Quoting from vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu, biting nails that have viral infections, such as warts, can also cause warts to spread to other parts of the body.

6. Chemical Poisoning

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In addition to beautifying the face and hair, most people, especially women, often color their nails with nail polish. Some nail polish ingredients can also come from chemicals. In this case, if unconsciously biting the nails while wearing nail polish can cause the effects of chemical poisoning due to the content in the nail polish. Moreover, if the chemical content in the nail polish is unintentionally swallowed, it can have an effect on health. However, these effects can be felt if the habit of nail biting is prolonged.

7. Risk of Getting Herpes

Herpes disease is a health problem that occurs in the body due to viral infection. Usually, this disease attacks the skin and can cause red blister-like sores filled with fluid. A weak immune system is one of the factors that can be affected by this disease, which can occur in anyone.

If the hands are unknowingly infected with the herpes virus because of having oral herpes in the mouth area, then when biting nails, there is a risk of increasing the chance of getting herpes in other parts of the body.

So those are 7 health impacts of the habit of biting nails that many people unknowingly do. In addition, it is important to maintain the cleanliness and health of nails so that it does not have an impact on the body's health condition.

(kpl/nlw)