Nail chewing is considered severe when the habit becomes destructive – when it impairs use of the hands or leads to repeated infections.

Sometimes a nail-biter’s hands and fingers can become infected, but more often, the habit leads to an increased risk of contracting colds and other illnesses because it encourages the spread of germs from the nails to the lips and mouth.

Nail biters looking to quit their addiction may find they are less inclined to stick their fingers in their mouths if they put lemon juice or hot sauce on their digits.

Former nail biters who quit the habit said it also helps to wrap nails in tape or Band-Aids and to keep their hands well-manicured.

(Read by Emily Cheng. Emily Cheng is a journalist at the China Daily Website.)

双语资讯

(Agencies)

全球数百万人爱咬指甲，这嗜好颇为“自残”，有些小痛苦，而且比吸烟还难戒掉，但经常被人们忽视，认为不过是一种相对没什么坏处的习惯。

医学专家目前正对此进行进一步研究，而且已经决定将其从一种习惯划分到强迫症。

据美国国家广播公司报道，美国精神病学会正准备在下期《诊断和统计手册》中将“咬甲癖”的名称从“无其他分类”改为“强迫症”。

与强迫症有关的习惯包括反复洗手和抓头发，通常以过度思考和恐惧而导致重复同一种行为为特点。

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