A doctor has issued a serious warning to those who bite their nails after a woman contracted a potentially deadly infection.
Karen Peat from Scotland shared a cautionary post on Facebook, highlighting the dangers of this common habit. She included images showing her friend’s severely swollen finger.
According to Karen, her friend was urgently taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for emergency surgery after initially consulting two pharmacists for advice.
Alongside the unsettling photos, she shared a warning (via the Mirror):
“A message to all nail biters out there, STOP!!!
Someone I know, who wishes to remain anonymous, was rushed to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for emergency surgery after biting their nails too far down, which led to a severe finger infection.
This person had already consulted two pharmacists at separate chemists over the past few days, who advised using magnesium sulphate and keeping the area covered. Despite following this advice, the infection worsened. When they finally went to A&E this morning, doctors warned that if they had waited any longer, the infection could have been fatal as it had started spreading up the arm, hence the urgent surgery.
So please, please stop biting your nails!”
Why Do People Bite Their Nails?
Dr. Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph, explained to Tyla that nail biting, or onychophagia, is considered a form of self-grooming behavior, though the exact reasons behind it remain unclear.
“Some experts believe it’s linked to anxiety or nervousness, but some studies don’t support that theory,” she said.
“It often seems to result from boredom or focusing on difficult tasks rather than anxiety.”
What Are the Health Risks of Biting Your Nails?
According to Dr. Claire, “Nail biting can lead to dental issues in severe cases and can also increase the risk of illness, as it’s difficult to keep your hands completely clean before biting.”
One of the most serious dangers is damaging the skin and soft tissue around the nail bed, which can lead to painful infections.
Why Was the Woman’s Infection So Dangerous?
Dr. Claire explained that Karen developed a “very serious deep infection” that had begun to spread.
“Most of the time, skin or nail infections clear up on their own or can be treated with simple soaks or over-the-counter medication,” she said.
“However, sometimes infections penetrate too deeply to be treated with creams or even antibiotics. In these cases, an abscess can form, which must be drained for proper healing.”
She warned that deep-seated or spreading infections can worsen rapidly, and in severe cases, they can lead to a systemic infection, posing a serious threat to life or potentially resulting in the loss of a limb.
How Common Is This?
According to Dr. Claire, minor infections around the nail bed, known as paronychias, are quite common among people who bite their nails.
However, it’s rare for a paronychia to escalate into a severe infection that requires surgery or hospitalization.
“It’s more likely to occur in individuals with a compromised immune system or conditions like diabetes,” Dr. Claire explained. She also advised, “If you have an infection that isn’t improving, is spreading, or is making you feel unwell with symptoms like fever and shaking, it’s essential to seek urgent medical attention.”
Tips for Nail-Biters Who Want to Quit
Dr. Claire recommends keeping your nails trimmed very short to reduce the temptation to bite.
Another effective strategy is applying a bitter-tasting nail polish or using physical barriers like gloves or a retainer to discourage biting.
“This might help if the habit is occasional,” she said. “But for many, nail biting is a deeply ingrained behavior.”
In such cases, habit-reversal techniques can be useful, finding alternative actions to replace the urge to bite. Psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be effective in breaking the habit.
