Nail biting

As onychophagia (syn. nail biting, nail biting, nail biting ) is called chewing, or On (fr ) of the nails, claws or paws eating in humans or animals.

In humans, the more severe forms fall under the term " self-harm " (self -injury ), the lighter, based on nervousness forms are not necessarily counted among the self-injury. The trigger stress, nervousness, behavioral or wrong role models are. In damaged areas in humans, the spread of common warts is favored. It is often associated with a Bekauen the surrounding skin ( Perionychophagie ).

In dogs, chronic anxiety disorders can be made responsible for this behavioral disorder. In sheep onychophagia is, however, no self-harm, but a form of cannibalism. Here it can by conspecifics for on and eroding of -mouth, ears ( Otophagie ) and tails ( Caudophagie ) come up to a week old pups. In the dog and in sheep is discussed a lack of feeding a supplement together with behavioral disorders.

Cause

Therapy

Existing consequences of onychophagia such as chronic paronychia or nail growth disorders in humans and animals require a customized, usually local therapy.