Nail biting is a common habit for relieving stress. Nail biting habit is merely a bad habit, almost people of all ages bite their nails, effecting around 30% of children between 70 to10 years and 45% teen agars. Nail biting includes biting the cuticle and soft tissue surrounding the nail as well as biting the nail itself.

Following are some causes of nail biting.

The causes of nail biting can be a combination of biological and environmental factors.

1. Top causes of nail biting are obsession, aggressiveness and compulsion.
2. It has been suggested that there may be a genetic component because there is often a history of their parents who bite their nails.
3. During the periods of stress, nervousness, boredom, lack of activities and hunger, people start biting their nails.
4. In case of disharmony as a result of friends, family, school or work can trigger the habit. In some cases it can be a sign of mental or emotional disorder.
5. This irritating habit is more common in boys than girls. Another cause of nail biting is dramatic changes in the family. These dramatic changes may include death, divorce, rejection from step- parents and violence etc.
6. Most people and children start biting their nails in stress and anxiety to relax.

The habit of nail biting can be tend to stop especially in children by gaining confidence in his/her environment and in family and school.