Do you know anyone who pulls off their toenails?

Question:

I pull and pick at my toenails and bite and pull at my fingernails untill my hands and feet bleed and throb. A psychologist once told me this behavior was a form of self mutilation. How can I quit? I've been doing this since I was a child. Now that I'm grown, it is so imbarrassing. I can't wear cute open toed shoes without feeling insecure. People pick on me all the time about how ugly my toes are. I can have artificial nails put on my fingers, and I do that, but I can't discuise my toes. I just want to know that I'm not alone. Does anyone else have this problem?

Answers:
my sister recently told me she does the same thing..but I'm not sure how she got started. She never mentioned if she still does it but it sounds sooooo painful. Start off slowly regarding how to quit. Reward yourself for going a few days without doing it... if you slip up thats okay just start over again... research different things that can be done to restore your toe nails.. these days there are really cute shoes that youc an wear that cover the toes and still look really great...

Other Answers:
when u have a ingrown toenail

No. I used to chew my fingernails but that was about it.

Oh - ugh. Honey, you need help. That is not only unsightly, but painful, and can cause infections. I don't have that problem, but I know that self mutilation is a serious cry for help. Please get some.

no! i'm afraid of pain. i would probably put something on my nails so that when i bite them they taste bad. maybe vinegar or something. i don't know how else to stop you from pulling at your nails. i think you need to work on gaining self-confidence. remember that most people who pick on you have self-esteem issues as well. good luck.

I don't mutilate my fingers and toes, but I have ugly toes. I have heard that artificial nails can be put on your toes. My girlfriend has a lovely french manicure on her toenails. I am very envious. Why not have a pedicure and see what they can do for you? As with all artificial nails, you have to be very careful not to get a fungus infection.

try distracting urself with sth else... or keeping a close check onwat u do...and whenever u are temped to do this ... tell ur self strictly not to... i know it's not gonna be easy... i have had wierd habbits to... =)
but this is sure to work... all need it self-control and determination! all the best!

No, I don't have this problem and I don't know anyone else who does, but I am still positive that you are not alone. I think you do this for a specific reason, probably found in your subconsciousness...my advice is to find out the trigger that causes you to do this and work on that.

yes i do know 1 of my frnd use 2 do this if the nails dnt break he use 2 bite them by his mouth canu imagine this taking ur leg2 ur mouth it was a very bad habit but u have asolution wear a socks every time dnt look at the toes once go in parlour and shape them proper ok try 2 avoid ur attention .,

I don't know someone who pulls off their toenails. But, I myself do clip my toenails every now and then, it's a habit that I do for a living just to keep myself perfectly neat and clean and healthy as any man should be. I do pull of my hangnails out in the workplace in where I work. My supervisor always gives me bandages when in case that I pull off my own hangnails just to keep myself manicurically organised, properly trimmed, and neatly handsome for going on my way to work every Monday-thru-Friday (namely, Richland Newhope Industries). Well, it's a living!

You have a major problem. You need some real help & I really am not just being mean. The psychologist needed to help you, not just diagnose. There is a foul tasting coating for your fingers, but that may keep your mouth away, but you may still pick.
You are risking infection of all sorts if you continue.
Seriously, get off your computer, & seek some kind of help. Start with your family doc & go from there. You may need some psychological help, with someone who will help you work thru it & find out why. Usually once you know the cause you can deal with it. If you do get a bad infection, you could lose your toes especially...get help now!
The other thing is to get busy...fill your life with people & do stuff...volunteer, take extras assignment at work...you probably do this when you are alone & bored...get busy!

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Do you know anyone who pulls off their toenails?

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