What treatment is recommended for someone with onychophagy?

Onychophagy, commonly known as nail biting, is a habit that can lead to damage of the nails and surrounding skin. One effective treatment option for individuals struggling with this condition is frequent manicures. Regular manicures help maintain nail hygiene and appearance, providing a visual reminder to avoid biting the nails. The process also involves the application of products that can discourage biting, such as bitter-tasting nail polish designed specifically for this purpose.

By receiving regular manicures, individuals are often provided with a sense of care and can also learn proper nail care techniques, which may further discourage the habit. Additionally, the act of having well-groomed nails can serve as a form of positive reinforcement, as individuals may feel less inclined to bite nails that look healthy and well-maintained.

Other treatment options such as regular nail polish application, the use of acrylic nails, or cuticle treatment don't address the underlying habit and may not have the same behavioral impact on stopping nail biting. While these treatments can enhance the appearance or health of the nails, they do not necessarily provide the same level of reinforcement and behavioral modification that frequent manicures can offer.