Nail-Biters Rejoice: Study Finds a Simple Trick to Kick the Habit

Are you tired of trying everything under the sun to break free from the relentless habit of nail-biting? Many people have struggled with this seemingly unshakable habit, seeking numerous remedies and techniques to no avail. However, hope shines anew as a recent study has unveiled a surprisingly simple trick that may hold the key to finally overcoming nail-biting.

Recently, a study published in JAMA Dermatology has now shed light on a simple yet effective method that could potentially liberate nail biters from this pesky compulsion. Conducted by their team of researchers, the study enlisted 268 participants between the ages of 18 and 80, all experiencing different forms of body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB). The diverse group included people who struggle with not only nail-biting but also lip and cheek biting, skin-picking, and trichotillomania (hair-pulling). Split into two distinct groups, the participants were hoping to find an effective solution for their compulsive behaviors.

Here are a few variations worth exploring, along with the methods to perform them. To begin, consider gently stroking your forearm with your fingertips, ensuring you avoid any scratching and instead, softly glide them up and down your forearm or trace circles. Interestingly, those with hairy arms may not require direct skin contact for this technique to be effective.

Nail-biters can try another approach by rubbing the tips of their first two fingers against the tip of their thumb, replicating the motion of crumpling a tiny paper ball. An alternative method involves using the tips of the fingers, on one hand, to create soothing circles in the palm of the other hand, embracing the calming sensation that arises from this gentle touch.

For those open to a slightly more unconventional technique, try tenderly clasping the fingers on one hand around the thumb of your other hand, and gradually moving your thumb in and out.

Another option is to lightly brush the fingers on one hand across the knuckles on your other hand, imparting a comforting touch that can provide solace during moments of stress or anxiety.

They say it's best to choose one or two of those and do them regularly until they become a habit.  If you do them all and interchange a lot, it might not work as well.

According to the study's findings, one-half of the participants were handed a carefully crafted manual that detailed a habit replacement technique focused on gentle skin-touching. This approach aimed to replace the urge to bite nails with a healthier alternative, ultimately reducing the frequency of the BFRBs. Meanwhile, the other half of the participants were informed that they were placed on a waitlist for a program that would teach them the same method at a later stage.

What caught the researchers' attention was the success rate among people with nail-biting tendencies. This subgroup demonstrated the highest likelihood of success with the habit replacement technique, revealing a targeted approach to address this specific BFRB.

Following six weeks of dedicated practice, the outcomes were undeniably promising. An impressive 54% of those who diligently adopted the habit replacement technique reported significant improvements in their BFRBs. In contrast, only 20% of the participants in the control group experienced similar progress.

Take a deeper look at the study here.

Have you ever tried a fragrance and thought to yourself, "Wow, this smells awful?" Then you wonder why and how anyone would ever enjoy that smell. Just like our sense of taste, smells are based on preference. For example, your friend may like the smell of corpse flowers (the worst-smelling flower in the world) and burnt hair while you like the smell of roses and bonfires. 

"Most people assume we all like the smell of roses and hate the smell of skunk... with the exception of irritating odors, smell is something we come to know from personal and cultural experiences." noted lead researcher Rachel Herz, PhD, in a 2005 Brown University study.

Alan R Hirsch, the founder and neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment & Research Foundation, explained to NPR that “the factors that influence our sense of smell are actually a combination of cultural, genetic, and environmental factors.”

There are certain smells that almost everyone loves. From the new car smell (which may not be good for you) and freshly baked bread to Sharpies and gasoline. People enjoy a variety of aromas and find some more pleasant than others. The scents we smell can change our moods and emotions. Sometimes, it can even bring us back to long-forgotten events and memories.

Here are 10 unusual smells most people enjoy.

It could be due to its association with nail salons. It's where many people find a moment of relaxation.

Should you thank their hair care routine for this? Or maybe you’re a fan of their pheromones? Let's just call it a chemically compatible match.

Some people enjoy the smell of recycled rubber, glue, and a slight hint of petroleum.

It's probably not because it can make you high. It may have more to do with nostalgia. Sharpies and markers tend to smell like childhood to some people.

It makes sense that some people like the smell of chlorine. Most people are reminded of memories by the pool. Or maybe an abundance of laundry.

It may be something with the smell combination of fresh paper and book adhesive, mixed with the excitement of getting a new book.

Do you ever catch a whiff of yourself and actually don't mind it? Maybe, it's because it's your own scent. Some studies show that we've adapted to like our own odors, to help us maintain proper hygiene.

It has that "cold" smell that’s similar to when the AC blows in the car.

Some people like it because it "smells like the country.” The smell is supposedly associated with fresh air and fields of farmland.

Someone loved this scent so much that they created a crowdfunding site for a candle that "always smells like it's not actually burning while it’s burning." They described the smell as a "warm, smoky aroma."