Scientists from the Hamburg-Eppendorf University Medical Center discovered that a light touch to the skin will help get rid of the habit of biting nails when stressed. The results were published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.
The new study involved 268 people with trichotillomania, a condition in which people respond to stress by pulling their hair, biting their nails, or biting the inside of their cheeks. Control group members were told they were on the waiting list for treatment. Other participants were taught to form a habit of change through communication and video.
Instead of hurting themselves, they were taught to touch the skin lightly, such as gently rubbing their fingertips, palms, or back of their hands at least twice a day. This strategy helped 53% of participants in the six-week study reduce unwanted behaviors. Those who bit their nails saw the most benefits. Overall, about 80% of people in the treatment group said they were satisfied with the training and 86% would recommend it.
Antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy are sometimes prescribed to people with trichotillomania, which affects about 5% of the world’s population. These methods are effective in 30-50% of patients.
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