Nail biting, known as onychophagia, is a harmful habit that affects several areas of the body, according to health specialists. Dermatologist Lourdes Navarro Campoamor, from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), warns that the habit damages the nails but also affects the teeth, digestive health, breathing, and even the mind. The Mayo Clinic Institute reinforces that nails are part of the skin and that it is crucial to care for them to avoid the entry of bacteria and fungi that can cause infections.
According to data from the Spanish Society of Internal Medicine (SEMI), onychophagia can manifest at any age. The prevalence is especially high among teenagers, affecting 45% of that group. Among children, the habit is present in 30%, while adults over 35 represent 10% of cases.
The article highlights that good health habits are not limited to a balanced diet and physical exercise, but also include actions that we often perform unconsciously. Nail biting is an example of these actions that can negatively affect the body.
