It's a condition where I bite the skin around my fingernails until they bleed. My fingernails are deformed as I have damaged the nail beds. It's an OCD condition but I think it is really a subset of the Bipolar II and CPTSD with Psychotic Features - an anxiety mitigation strategy that of course causes more anxiety. I do it subconsciously and it's really gross.

Anyone any thoughts on how to knock it on the head?

[*Laurie*]

I have torn and bitten my cuticles all of my life. I have some scarring, if you look closely. Artificial nails make me stop the compulsion, but I don't want artificial nails all the time. So I just force myself, as much as possible, not to bother my cuticles. One thing that helps is keeping my nails well-manicured.

I do this too. It's got really bad lately so for the last couple of days I've been putting plasters on to cover them so I don't have the chance to chew/pick them. I think it's helping slightly, my fingers are at least getting a better chance to heal.

Thanks guys, it was great to read your posts. They made me feel less alone as I do the same strategies to stop myself doing it and also to heal it.

[olivia4]

Thank God there are those like me. I can't stop biting my nail skin and lips, gums, and cheeks. Going to the dentist is so embarrassing. When I know I have an appt. it gets even WORSE. A doctor told me once it could be a tic. My son has Tourettes. I try to count to 10 when I get the urge to bite and MAN is it hard, the urge. Might need to go on meds here. On Prozac already but now I'm also hypomanic ugh. I'm so tired lol.