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| - Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A number of social media users are claiming that biting nails can make the immune system stronger. We fact-checked and found the claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
A social media user writes, “Nail biting has been associated with a better functioning immune system because of exposure to germs on a small scale that your body can build antibodies too”. The post can be seen here.
Fact Check
Why do some people bite their nails?
Although it is not clear why some people develop this habit, some studies have linked nail biting with behavioural issues and psychological problems. The available studies have shown that people bite their nails out of impatience, frustration and boredom that induces stress and anxiety. Moreover, nail biting becomes a go-to behaviour when people are unable to concentrate. The habit of biting nails typically starts at a young age that may continue till adulthood for some people.
Can nail biting improve the immune system?
No conclusive evidence.
There is a 2016 study from New Zealand suggests that kids who have bitten on nails in childhood may have some immunity against allergies, but no further follow up studies were done to build conclusive evidence regarding this.
Furthermore, there is no research that suggests biting nails can improve the immune system by developing antibodies against various other types of diseases and infection. On the contrary, biting can cause irreversible damage to the skin around the nails that increases the risk of infection.
Dr. Nilam Jain (Kothari), Consultant Dermatologist, Masina Hospital, Mumbai, explains, “Nail biting or onychophagia does not strengthen the immune system naturally. However, the pollen, mites, germs or dust under fingernails exposing children to allergens and reducing the risk of developing allergies later in life, is the most sought after research topic for paediatricians.”
Can biting nails cause health disease?
In medicine, the self-induced habit of damaging nails is called either Onychophagia or Onychotillomania. Onychophagia is compulsive biting while Onychotillomania is excessive pulling or picking. Both conditions cause nail deformity and increase the risk of infection.
Dr. Jain (Kothari) explains it further, “Onychophagia can be a sign of major psychological illness. Risks of nail biting vary from recurrent abdominal and dental infections to permanent damage to the nails and painful ingrown conditions, and recurrent bacterial and fungal infections in the nail folds. Also, viral warts can occur around the lips and nails. Even toxins in the nail polish are hazardous to health.”
The habit of nail biting can introduce toxic antigens in the mouth and the gut that can cause infection later in life. A study has shown that toxic antigens can cause Crohn’s disease.
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