Excessive Nail Biting + Bass = Pain and Missed Practice Time

[hall1k]

I have a problem, and it runs in my family, where when I'm even the slightest bit keyed up I start biting my nails like crazy. Its a bit beyond just a nervous habit by this point. Like, I just keep biting them down till they're like 1/16th inch or more into the pink part and they start bleeding and ****. I just can't help it most days. Especially when I know I have something to do, even if its just something around the house, I'll look down at my nails, see one that's a bit long, and then next thing I know I've literally spent hours standing in the spot where I first noticed the nail and eventually I'll have all 10 nails down to the quick.

I don't what I can do about it, I think maybe my ADHD meds (Concerta 54mg in the morning) aren't working correctly or something. Possibly because, being a college student off for the summer, I get up at like noon and never manage to take my meds in the morning like I'm supposed to. Maybe also because I've gained maybe 20 pounds since my doctor last evaluated my prescription a couple years ago (Usually he just writes a year script at a time without really checking into anything cause as an adult he says my meds should stay the same for life now), so I might need more of a dose since I weigh more (Not fat, I'm only ~150 now).

But I think its almost borderline OCD the way I just can't stop no matter how much I try. Like, I'll try and move my muscles to go do something else when I have these biting attacks, and they just tense up and won't let me move on.

Problem is, being in Canada, I can't get in to see my doctor for another few months, so does anyone have any home remedies that might help me either reduce the amount of biting or still be able to play with heavily chewed up nails? It's getting to the point where I haven't been able to even pick up my bass for about a week now cause my nails have been hurting so bad, and that's just adding even more to my stress levels.

[JohnMCA72]

I used to bite my nails. I cured it by carrying a nail file around with me all the time. Whenever I got the urge to bite my nails, I pulled out the file & filed them instead! It just substituted one nervous habit for another, but filing turned out to be a lot easier to control than biting.

[Luke19Boarder]

start smoking?

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

I used to bite my nails. I cured it by carrying a nail file around with me all the time. Whenever I got the urge to bite my nails, I pulled out the file & filed them instead! It just substituted one nervous habit for another, but filing turned out to be a lot easier to control than biting.

I was going to suggest the same thing. That, or Scotch Bonnet extract on your fingertips.

I used to have the same problem, but keeping nails filed smooth so that first little point doesn't grab your attention does work, and the longer you can stave off the reflex the less compelling it is.

[irishpride28]

you could cut your fingers off

[Munjibunga]

In the words of Bob Newhart, "Stop it! Stop it!"

Stop it!

[Renaissance]

Dip your fingers in jalapeno juice - just don't rub your eyes.

[tapp01]

Originally Posted by JohnMCA72

I used to bite my nails. I cured it by carrying a nail file around with me all the time. Whenever I got the urge to bite my nails, I pulled out the file & filed them instead! It just substituted one nervous habit for another, but filing turned out to be a lot easier to control than biting.

This worked for me 14 years ago. Haven't started the habit back up since then. Filed down nails leave nothing to chew on. I literally had to file mine down everyday for God knows how long before if finally became a non-issue. Good luck with quitting a strong and destructive habit.

[bassist4dalord]

I have the same problem, except it's extending to my cuticles.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by Renaissance

Dip your fingers in jalapeno juice - just don't rub your eyes.

Or go to the bathroom.

[hall1k]

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

I have the same problem, except it's extending to my cuticles.

Yeah, I bite my cuticles too, and the skin around the nail too. Especially when the raised parts of the skin are white right after taking a shower, that's the worst.

[J. Crawford]

This is why LeBron James never worked out as a bassist.

[MatticusMania]

Originally Posted by hall1k

I have a problem, and it runs in my family, where when I'm even the slightest bit keyed up I start biting my nails like crazy. Its a bit beyond just a nervous habit by this point. Like, I just keep biting them down till they're like 1/16th inch or more into the pink part and they start bleeding and ****. I just can't help it most days. Especially when I know I have something to do, even if its just something around the house, I'll look down at my nails, see one that's a bit long, and then next thing I know I've literally spent hours standing in the spot where I first noticed the nail and eventually I'll have all 10 nails down to the quick.

I don't what I can do about it, I think maybe my ADHD meds (Concerta 54mg in the morning) aren't working correctly or something. Possibly because, being a college student off for the summer, I get up at like noon and never manage to take my meds in the morning like I'm supposed to. Maybe also because I've gained maybe 20 pounds since my doctor last evaluated my prescription a couple years ago (Usually he just writes a year script at a time without really checking into anything cause as an adult he says my meds should stay the same for life now), so I might need more of a dose since I weigh more (Not fat, I'm only ~150 now).

But I think its almost borderline OCD the way I just can't stop no matter how much I try. Like, I'll try and move my muscles to go do something else when I have these biting attacks, and they just tense up and won't let me move on.

Problem is, being in Canada, I can't get in to see my doctor for another few months, so does anyone have any home remedies that might help me either reduce the amount of biting or still be able to play with heavily chewed up nails? It's getting to the point where I haven't been able to even pick up my bass for about a week now cause my nails have been hurting so bad, and that's just adding even more to my stress levels.

Ive been biting my nails since I was little. I cant help it, if they grow to the end of my fingers and I see that white crescent Im compelled to chomp them off. However, its never impeded my bass playing before.

[Jazz Ad]

Time to learn picking.

[Ric5]

Either stop biting your nails or learn to play with a pick ... or both.

[Jazz Ad]

You could start chomping on your toenails instead. Or play with your feet.

[Ric5]

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

In the words of Bob Newhart, "Stop it! Stop it!"

Stop it!

I love that video!!!

[waynobass]

Originally Posted by ggunn

... or Scotch Bonnet extract on your fingertips.

I think there really is a product made for this problem. You paint it on your nails, and it tastes foul. Negative reinforcement.

[Munjibunga]

At least you're not a cutter.

[hall1k]

Originally Posted by Jazz Ad

You could start chomping on your toenails instead. Or play with your feet.

Lol I haven't been able to chew my toenails since I was like 5.