Dear Roopashree,
I am a female, 26, and have the bad habit of biting my nails since I was a child.
And do this all the time, even at work, without realising. Sometimes, people tell me and it is embarrassing.
This habit has also made my nails and hands very ugly.
I don’t want to wear false nails or anything like that.
Can you help? Please don’t publish my name.

It’s a common practice amongst new-born babies and toddlers as it acts as a pacifier but, if not addressed, it can stay on until later ages and create multiple problems.

We tend to look at it as a physical problem; however, it’s more of a psychological one.

You should try and understand your child’s emotional triggers. When is she practising the habit? Is she anxious at that time or hungry? Try to address her mental issues.

Take her to the dentist and let the doctor explain to her the repercussions and dental issues down the road, etc.

Make it a conversation, not a complaint or a nagging session as that will further lower her confidence. Children tend to adversely react to constant reminders.

Make it fun, like a game or a challenge to control the habit. Reward good behaviour to encourage her.

Any skin problem has a direct connect to hygiene, as the skin is simply trying to replace the layer that is adversely affected by any kind of chemicals (like the overuse of sanitisers), etc.

If you are in the culinary field, for example, it could be from exposure to a certain oil or spice or any specific ingredient.

Just keep your hands clean and visit a physician if the situation persists.

Apply coconut oil, as it is good for the skin.