Nail Biting Habit
Pediatrics Diya•Gender: Female•Age: 8 years (Pediatric)• Chronicity: 2 years
Presenting Complaints & History
- Compulsive nail biting leading to raw, bleeding cuticles
- Biting nails down to the nail bed, causing frequent skin infections
- Habit worsening during homework or when watching television
- Shame regarding the appearance of hands
Clinical Assessment
Developed nail biting as a subconscious coping mechanism for school stress. Standard bitter paints on nails had failed to stop the habit.
Diagnostic Investigations: Clinical check confirming severe nail-biting (onychophagia); no thumb sucking.
Homeopathic Therapeutics & Management
Constitutional remedies to calm nervous tension, reduce anxiety triggers, and support cognitive concentration.
Selected Constitutional Remedies: Baryta Carbonica and Lachesis
Lifestyle & Nutritional Support
Keeping nails short, engaging fingers with stress balls, and replacing criticism with praise.
Clinical Outcome
Follow-up Period: 4 months- Complete cessation of nail biting behavior
- Nails grew back fully with healthy cuticles
- No further skin infections or raw fingers
- Improved self-esteem and hand hygiene on follow-up
✓Medically reviewed by Dr. Navaneeth K. Unni
View credentials →#NailBiting#Onychophagia#HabitDisorder#StressCoping#BarytaCarb
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