How Biting His Fingernails Tragically Killed a 40-Year-Old

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A woman almost got an amputation, two guys nearly died from the same thing, and someone actually died after doing this common bad habit. Who knew that biting your nails could be that dangerous? Yes it looks messy; but how could fingernail biting hurt anyone? Let’s get into it!
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Sources:
[Lauren Nichols - the Girl who almost had a Finger Amputated]
www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/ar...
www.buzzfeed.com/daniellaeman...
[Paronychia]
www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/...
[Near-Death Cases for Nail Biting]
nypost.com/2018/05/01/dad-nea...
www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/...
www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
[John Gardner - Passed Away from Nail Biting]
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...
[Why Do People Bite Their Nails?]
www.vox.com/2015/4/22/8464365...
www.sciencedirect.com/science...
[How to Stop Nail Biting]
time.com/2946800/bad-to-bite-...
www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-li...
Other Sources:
• Lions Grooming Just Li...
• Elf (2003) - Buddy Mak...
• Horses running at libe...
• SpongeBob - Tape Rips ...
• SpongeBob SquarePants ...
• You're pregnant
• Wild Babies 4K - Amazi...
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Manhattan Twist by Avocado Junkie
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[@Brew]

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[@morrishellgrn]

Daniel

[@TheMan10what]

Hi!!!!!

[@GlitchyOnAChair]

no

[@morrishellgrn]

@@TheMan10what Daniel

[@morrishellgrn]

@@GlitchyOnAChair Daniel

[@ericbazinga]

Imagine biting your nails then seeing this

[@blitzblix9455]

bro i was saw this and was like ok stop and clicked on this video

[@Bulletdozer]

just happened to me

[@andromedatheharpy9087]

literally me a few seconds ago

[@LeonardTheWizard]

Couldn’t be me

[@Env1ous_14]

Me🥲

[@maddy02_]

I was a nailbiter since early childhood until I turned 19. I don't know how I managed to stop but I'm glad I did.

[@bosnia_gaming]

I started a few years ago, need to quit it. Mostly cause I can't open anything in cans anymore. Oh, and this video existing. I actually had some symptoms of this but always drained the infection and treated it, but my habit is still nothing I defend. It's impulsive and linked to my stress/anxiety as far as I can tell, so I'll need to do something sooner or later to force myself out of it.

[@epsilon3667]

@@bosnia_gaming see if u can find a professional to help aid/direct u in breaking the habit. If not there are some great sources online with tips on breaking habits (I have a specific way that I fiddle with my fingers when I notice myself biting my nails, and it helps a lot.)

[@rationalbacon5872]

Same. But one year someone bought me a very expensive nail polish gift pack. I wanted to have long nails so I could use it more than I wanted to bite my nails. Sometimes not all vanity is bad I suppose.

[@jcnot9712]

I find that being in public helps. Even if I start getting anxious, I won’t bite my nails so as to not embarrass myself. Needless to say, quarantine did not help my nail biting habit.

[@thalia3902]

I still bite my nails very short and I’m 25. I swore it helped my immune system 🙃

[@mercy3160]

After having this habit my entire life, I am now happy to say I havn’t bitten my nails in over 6 months. And they look AMAZING !!! To all of you who want to stop, it’s very difficult, but not impossible. You can do this, I believe in you :)

[@NSKLIPPED]

Thank you :)) Still young and all bht I’ll try to stop

[@papa_arieno]

What did you do please? Am stuck in the habbit

[@mercy3160]

@@papa_arieno I wore nailpolish a lot. But I also tried to figure out what was making me bite my nails in the first place. I found that I bite them when I feel nervous. so for starters I’d recommend you ask yourself why you bite your nails, and then treat that problem first. I hope you figure it out, good luck 👍

[@Gummyyyyyyyyy]

Thx mate ima try my best

[@UncertifiedNOOB]

ive been doing this for like 5 years, i only do it like once every two hours, but uhhhh i'll stop

[@kevtb874]

I bit my nails for 2 decades and only recently stopped. I always said it didn't bother me that much and it didn't. Until I saw my nails in the photos of our engagement rings. Still I found it hard to break the lifelong habit. What started it was simply being away hiking for 2 weeks. I was too busy and tired to be bored and focus on them. All of a sudden noticed they looked better than in years. I then bought myself for the first time ever a nail set and rather than picking at them and continuing the cycle I took pride in keeping them tidy. It was just a change of perspective. A healthy positive habit rather than a destructive negative habit. It took no more effort. Once they start looking good it becomes self fulfilling. We are getting married in 2 days and I just had my first ever nail appointment to have them looking their best for the day. Proud of myself.

[@Nguvuzauniverse.]

I'm also a nail biter congratulations 🥳 I hope I cut the habit too

[@kevtb874]

@@Nguvuzauniverse. honestly, my best advice it is to have a nail set with you at all times and learn how to use it. Anytime you look at your nails and want to bite or pick at them, get your set and clean and tidy them. It's the same focus and habit on your nails only you won't be destructive. It will take weeks, maybe even a month but not forever until you see improvement. That was part of what used to hold me back too. I thought they were too far gone. I thought it would take 6 months for them to look anywhere close to normal again. I thought they'd grow in weird. They didn't. Honestly. 2 - 3 weeks of being consistent was enough to see improvement and then I WANTED to take care of them. There were little lapses too. The bad habit returned. But then I'd focus on the good nails and promise not to mess them up. I'd have 5 good nails and 5 beaten up nails. A week later. 7 good and 3 bad. Before long I was proud of them all and the new good habit had formed.

[@carolnahigian9518]

Bless you! Wonderful,& thank you for SHARING . brave❤❤

[@susi4408]

I was a nail biter since I grew teeth and I also suffer with major anxiety disorder, I use to bite my nails til they bled and pulsed with pain. I’m honestly so surprised I never got an infection. (I stopped biting them a year ago)

[@kaitlyn5307]

Im proud of you!

[@musikalniyfanboichik]

Good for you man

[@IWishIDidntExist2333]

Proud of you! Keep up the good work!

[@Mysterious_robloxian]

nice!

[@BLEBBLEB]

Very proud of you!

[@Smokie1523]

I had my gall bladder nearly explode and go septic a few years ago. Sickest, shittiest, worst ive ever felt. Definitely not something you can just 'push through'

[@mkjirak]

Same, made it three days before my boyfriend dragged me to the ER. Would not recommend to others.

[@Cringeneth]

What if it explodes.?

[@jackiealba5421]

I been through Sepsis Shock- 2 abdominal abscesses. For 10 day's. I ended up in ICU.... It's been 14 years and I have never been the same. Plus I was already injured in the Military. Hugs ❤️. Sepsis- People usually don't survive. 🙏

[@KatherineRoseArt]

My bf nearly died of same thing... he did go septic. Nearly whole month in hospital... 3 surgeries... one was to shock his heart back into normal rhythm as it gave him atrial fibrillation. His kidneys and liver took a walloping and he got pericarditis as well. A hospital nearly sent him home from the ER and if he didnt go back he wouldnt have made it probably.

[@Smokie1523]

@@Cringeneth then it causes sepsis and infection.

[@aminelazrak5228]

I used to be an extreme finger biter since my childhood. I found out that it was probably due to perfectionnism and OCD > ( I couldn't tolerate seeying/feeling/touching imprefections on my nails and so, I bite them trying to fix them.) My solution was to carry out a nail clipper on my pocket WHEREVER I go and it's working wonders for abt 10 years now :). My nails even got prettier and healthier over the years

[@Archeonsimp]

Don’t see mine scars skin peeling 💀💀🤧🤧

[@ferretyluv]

OMG SAME! I just can’t stand feeling the roughness of hangnails and scabs.

[@anotakugirl05]

Happy to know I'm not the only one bringing around a nail clipper (and nail file) on me whenever I go (I prefer to use the nail file, because I get more control over the length of my nails) \⁠(⁠๑⁠╹⁠◡⁠╹⁠๑⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠♬

[@yourfriendlymoonlightgirl13]

@@anotakugirl05ikr same

[@yourfriendlymoonlightgirl13]

I’m NEVER gonna bite my nails ever again! I had paronychia 2 times, the first time was really small and not painful, but the Second one lasted for 4 months and boy it was painful

[@user-qf8yh7rf7y]

the closest thing I do is use my teeth as nail filers not even properly, just to monitor how smooth the nail is

[@Emiryyon]

What is shocking to me is the fact that the so many medical professionals underestimate the issue or brush it off and people are so close to death each time (except the last example that dies)

[@GhostlyStarWanderer]

The thing is it usually isn’t so serious. More often than not you take antibiotics and it goes away soon. Now i’m not a medical expert so I suggest you take what I say with a grain of salt and look it up for yourself.

[@ganrimmonim]

It goes both ways. I have a bunch of conditions, which I have had for ages. Including an underlying one. I am normally much more relaxed the the poor medical staff at E&E (ER) who are always. "Let's do an Xray or an MRI" and I'm okay if you want. And once it's been very "useful" but I'm still way to relax, but I have so many seizures and the like that they have to be pretty big before I start worrying. My arm just stops working, 'oh it will start again in a couple of hours no point in troubling anybody with it'.

[@satanlovesu]

they don't brush it off they just don't want to make people anxious about it, they'll still give you medicine so idk why ur shocked

[@benbenmr]

I'm a doctor. I usually treat paronychia with nail extraction to let the pus drained out and gives some room for new and healthy nail to grow. In some cases, the pus seeps through the nail bed so you can never be too careful. Also I give them antibiotics and pain reliever after that. Simple case of paronychia doesn't need a big surgery, but simple antibiotics usually won't cut it because the source of infection is still there.

[@TheFarthan]

Speaking as more of a devil's advocate here, this video doesn't seem to explain why the specific act of _biting_ your nails is so dangerous. I understand that the danger comes from infection, and that the infection comes from the contamination of open wounds around the fingertips. But couldn't the same thing also happen if you were to simply _cut_ your nails a little too short, or if you were to somehow get a hangnail or something? I mean, unless it has something to do with the mouth transmitting bacteria to the fingertips or something (which isn't really made clear in this video), then I don't see why biting your nails is so dangerous, as opposed to getting some _other_ kind of wound or cut around your fingertips.

[@Vixi0n]

Alright, thank you for giving enough reasons to stop me from nail biting

[@opticsop975]

how’s it going so far

[@robertvendel5749]

I am 13 and I am nail bitter since i grew teeth.But just like you,this video gave me enough reassons to stop😅

[@aahhhhhhhhhhhhh]

i cant stop. 😭

[@b4sh936]

Time to bite my nails

[@katzwei_]

@@aahhhhhhhhhhhhh i recommend getting some gel nail extensions! Or press on nails of you prefer it. It’s what gave me the push I needed to stop nail bitting, it used to be a very bad habit of mine. (Been nail biting since 8, i’m turning 17 this year.) Definitely could not work but it could so I’d still recommend it.

[@homloklebenyterapia9790]

New fear unlocked

[@kamilion14445]

I'm trying to fight my addiction of nail biting, and i hope this video will give me the proof to stop that i need

[@charvisaur4184]

I actually got hospitalized because of an infected finger from nail biting as a kid. I thought nothing of it back then, Every once in a while I'd have to drain the pus out and it hurt a lot, but I didn't think for a second that my life could have been at risk. It took me another 10 years to finally break my nail biting habit. Thankfully it didn't take another serious hospital visit. I just started clipping, filing, and buffing my nails so they look good. That made me not want to ruin them by biting them, and when I put them in my mouth i would feel the smooth surface and that would remind me not to bite it. Now I frequently find myself flabbergasted at how fast my nails grow. You never notice when you bite them because they don't get a chance, but they get long so quickly.

[@jjnich4915]

I was very similar as a child. Dealt with abuse as a kid and ended up growing up with depression and anxiety. I would chew my finger nails as I was constantly anxious. Idk....one day I just stopped biting them and started taking good care of them. Now when ladies see my hands they always compliment that I have perfect nails and beautiful long fingers. As weird as it sounds it makes me feel good when a woman compliments that about me since I tried so hard to get rid of that terrible habit. I also notice that my nails grow about 2x quicker than average people.

[@theteamduckz]

Nah i ain't reading all of that

[@GlubJGH]

Ian reading allat 💀 BUT WE 🆙🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@theteamduckz]

@@Pixiuchu Such a Chad

[@omarvalencia2442]

Kid named finger:

[@carolinacoreas7716]

Been a nail biter since early childhood, still am (I'm 21 now). It's something I've tried quiting several times with many different methods and nothing is foolproof because I lack self control. I usually wash my hands before and after chewing my nails though, so that's probably why I've never gotten any infection on my nails or fingers. The longest I've gone without biting my nails has been less than a month. My nails look horrible, but I'm just too riddled with anxiety and depression to stop.

[@Listrynne]

I used to chew my nails. Now I have several pocket size manicure sets. I keep one in my car, by my bed, etc. I also have a set of clippers in my pocket because girl pockets don't fit pocket sized things. 😑 When I need something to fidget with because of my anxiety I can just play with it or actually trim budding hangnails and rough spots.

[@Splat654]

You can try painting your nails, then whenever you ll try to chew it it would work as a reminder. Or go to the salon to get your nails painted

[@carolinacoreas7716]

@@Splat654 I'm not good about painting my nails, it just seems like such a hassle. Also can't afford a manicure.

[@zachtwilightwindwaker596]

@@carolinacoreas7716 Nail polish isn't that expensive is it?

[@Alexden96Channel]

@@Splat654 I know there's special nail polish that tastes really bitter, specifically designed for mitigating nail-biting. Haven't tried it though. It took a long time to stop biting my nails. I would clip them when I got an urge to bite, and it helped break the habit. Still got other nasty ones to work on, but at least that one's done.

[@saraninativel-santerne]

Thanks for this video ! I've had an acute paronychia younger and my whole nail got removed surgically. A decade later, I had (on the same finger) a fungi infection, as I kept on biting my nails. I am desperately trying to stop, and this video is definitely going to help, as I underestimated the health risks it can cause. Thanks Brew ! Btw: instead of "acute", I first heard "a cute" x)

[@ferretyluv]

Try special nail polish. There’s bitter nail polish you can get to discourage biting.

[@j.e.t.v4016]

​@@ferretyluvsecond this. I used the bitter nail polish for 1 week and broke a 30 year habit

[@IKER1000sYT]

​@@ferretyluvthird this

[@IKER1000sYT]

Put lemon juice on your fingernails

[@TheVirusOfHumanity]

I’m able to quit for months at a time, but never for good, it’s maddening. Once I ruin one nail it’s over for the rest.

[@andisiwerubuluza7647]

Same! 😢 It always starts with one nail 🥹

[@phungphuong8350]

According to Brew, everything I do is potentially deadly, from eating spicy food, sitting on an office chair, having a Christmas tree and now to nail biting. I am still grateful for the warning though

[@twocvbloke]

I turns out that the biggest cause of death is life itself... :P

[@WubNubDubs]

bro that chair video gave me further anxiety from my chair. I already had anxiety that my chair could collapse but now that. Brrrrruh.

[@myakugel]

literally all i can think about while sitting in my chair at work is "please dont explode on me today" so annoying but it is a worry

[@CVBFonzP7B]

@@WubNubDubs LOL collapsing is the last of ur worries 😂😂 i used to have the same worry

[@ArshadZahid_nohandleideas]

*_Memento Mori_*

[@sigmachad2558]

Brew is trying to tells us almost everything we do is dangerous

[@joshiromathewi.manangan147]

Holding your phone

[@logan7156]

@@joshiromathewi.manangan147is dangerous

[@matthewnagel7081]

Sitting on an office chair

[@voyageridk_]

eating ur favourite snack

[@nathansandoval9913]

Buying the wrong christmas tree

[@12whitelines]

Absolutely nailed it with the video! Thanks for the educational video.

[@dustinclouse6888]

Pun intended? 😂

[@crocs_n_socs]

😭😭😭😭

[@claireredfield7368]

@@dustinclouse6888 Possibly. xD

[@Devor_]

This video has helped me stop biting my nails, its been months since I last did it and I have been doing it since I was 9 thanks Brew you just got yourself a new sub!

[@Brambrew]

As a nailbiter, I deal with periungual warts. They're caused by a strain of HPV but are mostly harmless and luckily don't spread to genitals, but they're still annoying. They're supposed to clear up within 1-2 years so I try to make sure the virus doesn't spread to my other fingers or to other people. At the very least, wash your hands frequently if you're a nailbiter.

[@sleezybreezy]

No disrespect but that you deal with HPV in your nails? Can I ask how did this happen.

[@lighten_shadow]

@Don't Read Profile Photo Ok I wont

[@Brambrew]

@@sleezybreezy It's just something that happens; theres a societal perception that HPV is an STD when in reality it's one of the most common viruses. Many types of warts are caused by HPV. I just happen to have inherited finger warts.

[@autumwillowsmia]

My children had these when younger, and yes they do clear up eventually, they just caught them from other children and didn't bite their nails but may i recommend, applying clear nail varnish to the wort to help prevent spread, and a nail product you can buy that is like nail varnish but tastes bitter to help prevent nail biting. of course please look into these suggestions rather than just go buy my word and see if you could find something that works for you.

[@kennevahmiller9768]

What about the people who bite their nails just because they like the feeling of the little skin pieces on the side of ur nails coming off?

[@lavenderdust7912]

I have trichotillomania (hair pulling) and dermatillomania (skin picking) and I've done an immense amount of research in order to understand my condition and manage to control it. I just want to say: your explanation on body focused repetitive disorders is absolutely spot on. So many people know very little about their condition, and there's so much misinformation and stigma it's crazy. Thanks for spreading good information from legitimate sources, not many people understand that you can't "just stop".

[@mulan7015]

Use some form of shock to stop you under lisence professional or get TMS for OCD.

[@lavenderdust7912]

@@mulan7015 it doesn't work like that. Body focused repetitive disorders aren't the same thing as OCD, plus, shock makes them worse.

[@TheZaniQ]

I also suffer with dermatillomania. It is not easy to live like this.

[@savvivixen8490]

Trichotillomania, excoriation and dermophagia: I've been trying to get adequate assistance for literal decades, and only recently had any providers acknowledge I have a problem beyond something I can "just stop." It makes me absurdly angry, to the point of shutting down when people suggest that unhelpful foolishness to me.

[@TheZaniQ]

@@savvivixen8490 I my friend suggested other things for me to do, which may also give me the same satisfaction, but I just shut her down. It is not like it is a habit. It is a coping mechanism not to fall into complete insanity.

[@Read.selppa.backwards]

Bro, im new and his intro is SO COOL i love old timey themed stuff. Btw nice vid!

[@lulumoon6942]

Surprisingly current analysis of a nuanced subject. Thanks for sharing facts! Best to those affected here with BFRB. 👍🙏😎

[@BMTroubleU]

It can definitely be bad for your teeth. I've been nail-biting for decades and I've got a chunk on my lower front tooth missing from doing it. Thanks for the video. It's given me the push I need to try stopping.

[@stephanc6138]

when you understand the grossness (not just the gunk under) of what you nail absorbs, etc ... *shudders*

[@BMTroubleU]

@@stephanc6138 especially seeing as I'm a mechanic. So many different things get under there

[@TaraVines]

Same, my main nailbiting tooth has worn down and has a different shape compared to its matching tooth. I'd say about 1mm of difference. I mentioned that off-handly to my dentist, and she seemed surprised that I recognized it.

[@alexgreene5864]

If I can quit (had to a few times due to relapse), then anyone can! Keep trying.

[@alwaznokiss9859]

I was a nail biter most of my life. When I became a senior my teeth became brittle & biting my nails broke a few off. I quit because dental services are extremely expensive. When I think about biting a nail I think about broken teeth. Stops me in my tracks.

[@Groovynerdmm]

Thank you so much for doing a video on this type of infection. I just had to take my partner to their urgent care for this exact thing. When he told me what his symptoms were and showed me his finger I recalled watching this video month's prior, we rewatched it and went to urgent care. They were able to drain the infection and give him some antibiotics. Thank you so much Brew!!

[@Echo_the_half_glitch]

I had a similar case when I was in 7th grade, it wasn't life threatening yet but it had healed over, so my mom had to reopen my finger and drain it by using a needle and a lighter. (It hurt like a motherfluffer)

[@astrophiIia]

ive had this twice before and this all happened a few months ago and i dont bite my nails, i showed my parents but i dont think they were listening, tbh at first i thought nothing of it until it got REAL bad then i showed my parents again and they were like U HAVE TO STAB IT OPEN so i grabbed a sharp pin looking thing and stabbed my finger but it didnt go so i had to do it A LOT A LOT, it took 2 days for it to get out but when i tell u that was painful, IT WAS REAL PAINFUL. anyways a few months later i got it again, (this happened abt 4 months ago btw) and this time ik what happened so i went to the doctor, took some antibiotics (tbh it was scary bc my hand turned black after) and it went. currently rn now idk if its happened again bc i cant tell but im kinda scared

[@asniperaimatyourhead]

I bite my nails regularly and have no problems

[@Ugh718]

@@asniperaimatyourhead The key word is YET

[@asniperaimatyourhead]

@@Ugh718 no,i don't bite my nails so aggressively that the skin around the nail tears

[@raggedy._.andy311]

I saw this video months ago and kept it in the back of my mind. My cat scratched my nailbed five or so days ago and my finger is now swollen. Came back to this video before the infection got too bad and yellow started to occur. Thank you brew..

[@silaaron76]

Watching this while having on of my casual infections from pulling out hangnails. It's reached the point where it is getting better.

[@lifesahellofaride]

stopped it years ago, but kept on biting and tearing the skin around my nails. stopping now. Brew Crew, you improved my life today. thank you my fellow coffee addicts

[@internationalparam]

Ive struggled with this for two years. I pick and because of that I get spots, I have ocd so I pick out the spots :^( So the cycle continues. At least im not biting my nails

[@Listrynne]

It helps me to have a few little manicure sets around. One in my car, one by my bed, one in my backpack, etc. I also have one set of clippers in my pocket at all times. When I notice something on my cuticle or nail that I want to bite I can clip it neatly instead of tearing it with my teeth and making it worse.

[@NeonBonesGuy]

I bite all the side finger skin now I've got this scar-like tissue, it's redish and rough feeling.

[@lifesahellofaride]

@Don't Read Profile Photo i didnt i swear, who are you really my friend, you can tell me

[@davidpavel5017]

Could you explain the stopped years ago but kept biting part? What did you stop then?

[@arielvidal6491]

I have bad dermatillomania and I'm blessed to have not had an infection. My heart goes out to all the nailbiters.

[@spaceflood4521]

same here

[@lotsofoptimism]

dermatillomania gang 💪💪

[@destroyeroftheomniverses]

@@lotsofoptimism nothing to be proud of..

[@Helvetica09]

I pick my scalp and pull my brows or lashes. I am glad I managed to keep it down the past few years bc my scalp was in horrible condition. My boyfriend bites his nail due to anxiety and we always try to keep eachother from biting and picking 🫡

[@Mm-th5jo]

me too. i feel like i havent had an infection yet because i always put alcohol on the open wound and then wrap it with a band aid

[@youtuber3328]

thanks a LOT for the warning SERIOUSLY

[@donutio2270]

you stopped my nailbiting right this second.

[@SpoojFritter]

For anyone struggling with this: I chewed my nails all my life up until around 34 (i'm 42 now). They were so short you coudn't even see nail anymore, just skin that had grown over the top where the nail used to be. What worked for me was to choose a nail to not bite, and absolutely leave that one alone (carry on biting the others). It will take a couple of months for that single nail to grow fully back, then once it has grown back choose the next nail to leave alone. Before you know it you can leave a whole hand unchewed and then move onto the other hand. It took nearly two years to completely break the cycle, one nail at a time - but now they look great!

[@raven4k998]

well now you know what to watch out for if you get antibiotics and it keeps getting worse it's bad and a big deal to get fixed before it kills you

[@StuckMoneyLMAO]

Im currently trying to stop luckily I haven't bit it for a long time only 4 years

[@raven4k998]

@@StuckMoneyLMAO well if you see green and can't get rid of it see a doctor about it before it's to late and kills you infections can get that serious

[@Ninidouloveme]

Thanks for the strat im still young so hopefully ill stop before i go to college

[@brownsugar-wl7vn]

That's so inspiring, thank you

[@Coderedgames]

I'm 28 years old and still bite my nails. But I feel like knowing this will help me stop, starting now.

[@LilXancheX]

You’re too old to be biting your nails my guy. What’s wrong with u

[@NightVisionOfficial]

I say it every time, but i think i have some other problems like ADHD or something xD, i bite my nails too often, i had pus couple times, but i got it out with a mechanical pencil tip, since it's Graphite, i think it's ok. Either way, haven't got to the point of having those bad looking nails. Hope i can work my way to not bite them, but i think i will never do that. It's just easier to bite them, than to cut them away. I should go to a psychiatrist xD

[@magicalfartdust5956]

Ayy sameee but I'm 24 but after this I'm gonna try and stop

[@married-wit-childrenadog9249]

Yeah.. exactly! I hope it helps my son, once he watches it!

[@BargerClan]

@Leah I got OCD and anxiety but I don’t bite my nails that’s strange

[@ethanxillasaurus2572]

Thank you Brew you might have just saved a live here, and I think everyone heard Vs. Ridley while their hands got green.

[@sparkyshore3543]

I used to bite my nails regularly instead of clipping them, until I got a finger infection. Thankfully I didn't hesitate to have it looked at and it went away quickly with topical antibiotics, but I definitely learned my lesson.

[@turkishmappingtheturkishguy]

That's what I needed to stop my habit

[@ohio_.girl123]

Same here

[@Raifyiix]

lol same im not nail biting

[@voyageridk_]

same i need to sTahP

[@fireandice99]

I'm gonna STOP 🛑

[@gregkareem9824]

Me too

[@leahwilson9152]

I use lotion to moisturize my fingertips to avoid hangnails. Without the dry dead skin, there’s nothing to bite. Also, I keep a little nail clipper at my desk for evening out nails with little imperfections so I can’t pick at them

[@CocoCece08]

As I cook and wash dishes, I use lotion on my hands (my hands get SUPER dry). Haven't bitten mine in years.

[@comfortme]

moisturizing the toe nails well also helps prevents some forms of ingrowth from happening. mine stopped feeling so tight against the skin when i started. usually when the skin hardens it creates uncomfortable pressure between skin and toe nails

[@anjithaj8581]

Thanks for the information

[@MarkoVuckovic32]

Thank you for this video, you definitely gave me a lot of reasons to stop my life long habit.

[@loner1878]

I struggled with nailbiting for years, its honestly mazing I didn't get some crazy infection.

[@kiyotakaishimaru2660]

same

[@funnyfunnyfunnyxd]

i think its because you have immune cells in your saliva i can only assume everyone mentioned in the video had some sort of issue thats lowering their immune system like stress or genetics that caused them to get sepsis

[@TheOnlyLightSeeker]

Same

[@lqv3223]

maybe you didn’t bite it for 35+ years straight xD

[@loner1878]

@@lqv3223 More like 20 something...

[@smokeymchaggis73]

I finally stopped biting my nails during covid. Who'd of thought you could break a 40 year habit through fear of getting a deadly virus. I def got some infections over the years but cleaning them with alcohol always worked and luckily never got anything serious. So nice to not be biting them now though

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

Yay at least Covid did some good things.

[@GBA-049]

Thank you for this

[@Jakey4000]

Oh God, I hope that pharmacist that turned Steven away was reprimanded, I work in pharmacy and we would've seriously urged him to go to afterhours / ED or their GP if they can get a quick appointment

[@JewelPray]

I used to bite my nails badly as a kid due to anxiety and once I started getting acrylic nails done around maybe 14 I stopped biting, so honestly I’d suggest getting your nails done consistently for 6-12 months and you’ll most likely break the habit once you see how nice they look

[@kerstinnilsson9968]

Same here! Bit my entire life and decided to have acrylics for about 4 months when I was 16 and it completely broke my habit! I’m now 25 and have long healthy nails, haven’t bit them once since

[@leongrobler9274]

I don’t think this would work for men 😂

[@fuckinantipope5511]

​@@leongrobler9274 why not? Just get some fancy nails as a guy too

[@anthonyrobino145]

@@fuckinantipope5511besides the fact that he really doesn’t want to? They’re impractical and break easily and I use my hands…. A lot. Actually work with them

[@AFunkyPigeon]

​@@leongrobler9274it's just some nails, I can deal with it

[@DravenGal]

One positive thing about Covid, it got me to stop biting my nails because I was so worried about germs...so my OCD may have contributed to the biting, but it also got me to stop biting them. I still pick at them with my other fingers though.

[@tenorsaxy3567]

Growing up I would pull hangnails and ingrown nails regularly, I often would get little mini infections but I drained them as often as I could (mostly because I was fascinated with the pus coming out) so glad it never got this bad.

[@marn200]

I’m so glad these are only animated videos

[@Zzyzzyx]

Yeah! They're bad enough as they are! 😟😅

[@mystermysterio5348]

Word!

[@CaissonHogue]

I saw this video and, being a nail biter myself, decided to watch it. As soon as Brew got to the green pus part, I remembered that I once had a green spot, and pushed it so the pus came out. It looked like really weird snot. Now I see this video, and I believe I’ve had a close encounter, without having any idea what it was

[@aiwjdaiwkdwadkodawdawd]

Woah... I remember having that happen to me too... I remember seeing some weird snot aswell and being confused like "what is that...?"

[@Luvalley]

Same but twice, I didn't know what it was but it was sore. I used a nailclipper to make a hole in my skin and squeezed it out, disgusting :p

[@chazz0418]

Not really, infection is obvious. I've had at least 20 infections from nail biting and working outdoors with my hands. As long as you drain it when it's ready, it will go away in a few days. Obviously not a good habit but not really life threatening unless you are completely ignorant about infection.

[@IAmNotASuccubus]

Same!!!! Oh my gosh I used to pick at my hangnails a lot and remember the area around my nail swell slightly. It felt warm to the touch and just like you, there was this green spot which when squeezed had pus coming out of it. Thank goodness nothing ever came of yours or mine.

[@sweatify4662]

Same broo!

[@code_fu552]

Freuds' answer for any negative habit or behavior was always too much love as a child 😂😂😂

[@noone10912]

this video is the start to overcome my addiction of nail biting

[@rotatingdiscohorsehead3143]

Thank you for making me realize how much of a serious issue this can become, along with the helpful tips on how to stop.

[@dallisaeggers3847]

I am a nail biter and I have been trying to stop for months. This video might be what finally makes me stop.

[@Arelenedhel]

Good luck!

[@otneyat]

me too

[@microwave_MAFUYUSONEANDONLY]

@@L19966 a major reason is anxiety

[@nururu3233]

@@L19966 a lot of reasons actually, mine would be boredom

[@TheOfficialDorianelevator]

i used to be a nailbiter until i saw this video, then i immediatly stopped. so thanks brew since if i dident stop nailbiting it could have ended very badly.

[@flameofthephoenix8395]

12:48 People with OCD can also form Germaphobia, though. And when you have Germaphobia other things like nail-biting tend to struggle to remain a habit, as that's just nasty.

[@Spyduck]

As someone who just deals with hangnails and bits of dried skin at the fingers, I always have a small pair of clippers in my bag. A clean removal is better than resorting to the teeth anyday

[@ScriptsandGaming]

Please

[@wamlartmuse]

My ex wife is/was a nail biter. Hope she stopped or sees this video. She would get small infections every once in a while. I do to because of hang nails. If you want perfect nails, get a glass fingernail file. They are amazing. I've had one for years & it gives the smoothest file ever.

[@riselet9058]

Did you try to tell her to stop?

[@wamlartmuse]

@RISE let lol all the time but we didn't know about this. She tried but it's hard to break a habit that you've had for years. Her hand would just go in her mouth lol. It was more of a muscle memory reflex by then.

[@riselet9058]

@@wamlartmuse Oh.

[@sorrelbee113]

Mine have never gotten infected, but after trying every kind of behavioral modification (my mother used to do things like threaten to dip my bloody fingertips in hot pepper juice) I finally got on anti-anxiety meds and... i haven't *completely* stopped, but after 16 years my nail-biting is *so* much better. It also keeps improving, because after so many years of biting them, plus vitamin deficiencies, my nails were weak and broke/tore constantly. Now my doctor has me taking vitamins, and the less I bite, the stronger my nails get, so there's less of them tearing ragged and me feeling like I have to bite them. I also carry files all the time, so I can file them instead of biting them.

[@tdbattels5479]

same exept i got it

[@olanrewajuakintola1907]

From now on I'm nerver going to bite my nails, I still do it and I'm trying to get out of the habbit ,slowly and slowly I'm getting out of the habbit

[@PootPoot12]

For whatever reason this video reminded me of my experience with Rhabdomyolysis. Almost went into full kidney failure and I was "saved" by a quick care clinic calling around to multiple specialists after I left their office. They initially sent me home and said go to the hospital if it gets worse, they then called me 30 min after I left and told me go straight the ER immediately. Rhabdomyolysis would make a great video topic.

[@flyingpastakitty]

I used to be a nail-biter. I used to work retail and it would stress me out. I bit my nails constantly. I work as a security guard now. My job is much less stressful and I stopped biting my nails luckily.

[@LongDeadArtist]

Retail is more stressful than security? Really says a lot about the retail industry..

[@dalfie8046]

HPV was the only reason i decided to stop because of this vid, thank you Brew

[@deh4542]

My friends mom had her finger amputed from years of nail biting and infections. I still need more reason to quit..its so hard

[@lycheemyusic]

I was a nail biter all my life until I turned 21 (I'm 22 now). I never really bit the proximal fold i.e. "cuticle" that much, mostly just the nail plate. I always wanted long nails. One day I noticed that my nails kinda looked like they had grown and I got the courage to stop biting them to grow them out. I started then manicuring my nails and taking care of them, trimming off hangnails and filing my nails instead of biting them if I got an urge. This all motivated me to continue not biting my nails. I now no longer bite my nails and I use press on nails now as it's less work, but I grew my natural nails to around 2 inches long before trimming them down for a new job lol.

[@Purple_AB]

HAHA U BEEN A NAIL BITER SENSE 21 AHAHAHHAHA (no offense its just albert style)

[@Hazeleyes_JJs]

@@Purple_AB um k 💀

[@cheyennemilliemeiowmeiow945]

@Xtale Chara sens they said they had been a nail biter their whole life until the age of 21, can you not read?

[@Purple_AB]

@@cheyennemilliemeiowmeiow945 mk not reading

[@Purple_AB]

@@cheyennemilliemeiowmeiow945 i said no offense aswell can you not read?

[@MaiSakurajoestar]

I bit my nails a lot throughout jr and high school. I finally stopped when a nail got stuck in my throat for a couple days. Hurt to even breathe.

[@amity9033]

That'll do it 😂

[@MFNLY2]

This video hits so close to home, I remember when I used to bite my nails all the time. However, in late 2019, it came to a stop because my thumb got infected. I didn't tell my parents at the time because I was really, really scared that I would have to go to the hospital. However, I ended up telling them anyways because the pain at the time was really inconvenient since it would go off every time I touched my finger or worse, accidentally hurt it. I had to stay in the hospital for about a week if I remember correctly, and the doctors were able to get the pus out. However, it was really painful since my finger hurt a lot at the time. It's been 5 years since it happened, and I still have not bitten my nails since, and never will.

[@AmyRose-mp3fe]

You actually saved my life i was literally biting my nails before this so thank u im subscribing

[@ztx.gd.2331]

I used to bite my nails for years but I managed to stop doing it. People really underestimate how addictive it is.

[@charlielucas3386]

I’ve been a nail biter for nearly my entire life after losing the tip of my right middle finger in an accident with a door when I was 4 years old. I’m so glad that I found this video... and consider myself *absolutely* lucky to have never developed any of the problems described in this video!! 😓 I have gone a full 24 hours without biting my nails once (New Year’s Day 2023), and am truly hoping to train myself to never again bite my nails...because I honestly don’t want to suffer like this person did. 😮😨😨

[@joeysplats3209]

I know many people are encouraging you right now. Virtually any bad habit can be replaced with a new, good habit. You can do it!

[@randomtexanguy9563]

you know, i got my pinky (can't remember which one but i think it was the left) got smashed and lightly crushed in a closed door on accident, but nothing got severed and the worst that happened was that the nail was pushed outward a bit still very painful

[@charlielucas3386]

@@randomtexanguy9563 😨 OUCH!! 💥 I truly hope that you’re okay and are doing better!! Please try to curb the habit ASAP (if you’ve developed it)!! Because the pain of stubby nails can be absolutely terrible!! 💥😖😖 I’m praying for you! 😉✝️

[@randomtexanguy9563]

@@charlielucas3386 by that point i had stopped nailbiting for years, i forgot to mention (and to specify have been nailbiting free since the point i stopped)

[@MRgamingroblox-js1li]

oh that happened to me when i was 4

[@wormkarlos]

my dad has suffered from appendicitis because he bit his nails in his youth. he was near to death but the doctors saved him when he was a kid. he told me this but i didnt stop until i got stressed out that i had it but when we went to get checked it was only dehydration .-. and thats why i dont bite my nails anymore (and drink more)

[@rancholotl3384]

Me biting my nails while watching this: 👁👄👁 💅

[@jocelienjimenez9821]

Hilarious🤣😂

[@clydoscope5841]

You put nail polish too

[@rancholotl3384]

@@clydoscope5841 no I don't actually, that was just the only nail emoji with the right position)

[@clydoscope5841]

@@rancholotl3384 𝚑𝚊𝚑𝚊 𝚓 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚊𝚑𝚊𝚑𝚊

[@supimkfc]

@@rancholotl3384theres only one nail emoji?

[@maxpowers9129]

I stopped nail-biting when I got old enough to buy my own nail clippers. Before that I couldn't get anyone to take me seriously when I asked for clippers. I still have no idea where my parents kept them. Sometimes I would just see nail clippers sitting out somewhere, and that is the only time I could use them. It's hard for a child when no one at home listens to them.

[@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj]

I don’t bite my nails anymore and really need nail clippers when my nails are crooked or chipped. I cannot stand it but still refuse to bite my nails again.

[@PoppyFlux]

@@TrinhNguyen-sh4fj I'd recommend spending a bit more for a sturdy set, if you're able. Mine are Solingen (German made brand) and they're still as sharp and strong 4+ years later. Cheap nail clippers aren't sharp enough and they break apart if dropped imo. If you need a nail file I'd recommend a crystal as I think they're better for your nails. They leave the nail edge sharp and smooth. Cheap ones make the edges jagged. Congrats on stopping nail biting!

[@ziqi92]

I’ve been struggling with finger biting since I was four. I’ve had anxiety issues all of my life, so I was able to largely able to stop biting my nails after meeting my partner, who is really good at calming me down. However, dry hangnails and cuticles continue to bother me and so the struggle to fully lose the finger biting habit altogether continues.

[@foxglovecake491]

Why did I watch this after biting my nails and cuticles- It’s similar to goggling your symptoms when you’re sick, you’re gonna think the worse case scenario.

[@stargazer-elite]

LITERALLY ME

[@majorphenom1]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾 Prayers out for those dealing with harmful habits 🕊️

[@insertunoroginalnamehere6189]

Yet another irrational fear added to the list, thanks Brew

[@Fernanda-xq5ss]

I bited 9 years my fingers i was bored and did that every time but i wanna that it grow but every time if i am bored bite bite bite and thankfully ur helped me i stopped

[@Dornkeebler]

Ive been doing it my whole life since I was like 4 and I am now 18, pretty recklessly and carelessly too, never have I seen anything even remotely similar to this. But I want to see the ending so I will keep going.

[@seangaston7887]

I remember when I really wanted to break my bad habit of nail biting, I started using hand sanitizer really often, and that definitely helped! 😄

[@raven4k998]

see you have the power✊

[@CIeaner23]

@@raven4k998FRR

[@SeanPannella]

Carry a nail clipper, it will quickly stop you from biting because clipping and filing is just better

[@raven4k998]

@@SeanPannella and hand sanitizer which will stop it to cause who wants to taste hand sanitizer?🤣🤣🤣

[@seangaston7887]

It also helps to figure out what is causing your anxiety or stress. And using alternatives, like fidget toys, or anything that can help ease your anxiety and stress. As well as taking care of those anxieties and stress causing things.

[@michaeljoseph3475]

I was an avid nail and finger bitter. Going to the office for years and job stress made it worse. After being allowed to work from home while the pandemic was at its peak I noticed I no longer have this compulsion. In my experience , it was the stress and anxiety in the office. Change your circumstances and you might kick this habit too.

[@Melonknight12]

me too

[@paulgrey8028]

Ever since I was a child I was a nail biter until around 33yo. Over a dozen times I got an infected finger after biting a hang nail. Then I found that if I filed my nails down real short, I had nothing left to nibble on. That broke me from the habit. Even to this day I've kept my nails short.

[@LolloTheChoco]

One way I stopped myself from biting my nails was painting them! Whenever I needed to stim, I'd chip away at the nail polish instead of biting them. It worked for me! So yea, I recommend!

[@wyattthurston9051]

I got super lucky with what happened to me, I had an ingrown nail that got infected and a the surface skin around the infected area turned black and fell off. Once the skin fell of, the part that was ingrown wasn't covered anymore, and it healed with the previously ingrown nail not being covered up with new skin.

[@ononono7016]

Wow, that's lucky!

[@aviaturner4234]

As a nail biter, this worries me so much because I bite my nails sometimes when I'm anxious, nervous, or just bored. I do stop biting my nails but sometimes it's hard for me to but after watching this video it gives me the push to stop biting at my nails entirely.

[@shin-lf8lv]

9:28 yikes..

[@Madi_5004]

As a nail-biter since 6 yrs im now 24 this traumatized me enough to stop

[@ann-katrinhartjes3314]

Great Video, just a small thing: You say Steve McDonal‘a noticed a green spot on his LEFT indexfinger…but in the animation you show him looking at a green spot on his RIGHT hand 8:02 .

[@robblequoffle8456]

Dseylxia?

[@GlassDolphin465]

Man saw SpongeBob in his house this is what happened to his brain

[@michaelfishman7174]

" A habitual nail biter " ...LOL the expression made me laugh a lot. Hilarious.

[@cheslxy]

I did nail biting when I was really young. This habit is crazy, what I did to control it is to find other ways without ruining my fingers.

[@ceciliawade]

I remember doing this, and developing infections/flu like symptoms; I started eating healthy, working out, and managing my stress level, and I stopped biting my nails 4 years ago.

[@jasperdebunker4608]

Definitely needed this video. I've been biting my nails for as long as I can remember and I really needed a good push to get me to stop again.

[@emmachristmas8942]

Thank you for making me anxious and now I'm gonna stop biting my nails for like 5 years straight-

[@leeshangjinmoe5848]

i dont bite fingernails , i pick them.

[@mjpajpaj]

I do both LoL😂😂😂

[@Noob-gx6yf]

Everything aside, 15:35 triggered me as a person who knows hot to speedsolve a Rubiks cube. That cube is just so cursed.

[@katip8554]

I have chewed on the skin around my fingers since I can remember and when I was about 8yo, the skin around the pinky finger on my left hand got infected under the nail, so that the nail was off the finger, holding on to the skin by only one edge because of all the accumulated pus under it, it was nasty. While I hid that from my parents for some reason, another similar infection started on the thumb cuticle of my right hand. Finally my grandma noticed and I had to get both nails surgically removed under anesthesia. Fortunately, both nails grew back fine but I still, 20 years later, haven't kicked the habit. This video definitely made me rethink my life decisions though.

[@xXFriagneXx]

Also skin biter here. Idk how it comes to it.

[@jackreaper2890]

I used to have a habit biting my nails long ago. I know it's bit of an impulse and I did it without thinking about it a lot. I kicked the habit by putting band aids over all my finger nails. Every time I put my fingers up to my mouth it reminded me not to do it. After a month I found that I wasn't doing it any more.

[@DavidDirmus34]

since i do bite my nails, this was genuinely terrifying. I literally panicked and started checking if i have any green spots. Even when I realised i dont, i still was panicking

[@aadvising5259]

It’s just nice to watch a Canadian creator who often references Canadian studies and researchers. I don’t know why I enjoy that so much, I feel like it’s just a bit of home in a sea of strangers

[@faithwright7958]

I know, right? Greetings from NB!

[@Agagnier]

Same

[@frogzim]

Hello from SK. I enjoy the videos as well :)

[@flameindigo8035]

:D that's it! that's exactly it! it feels so cool!

[@nolongerwoman5714]

As someone who has had a real problem with this habbit... Getting braces cured me from it, because it was impossible to bite my nails, so I forcefully had to find something else. I'm so glad I stopped, even more so after this video

[@hhholsteiners]

I also quit when I got braces. I did learn how to still bite my nails w the braces, but decided this was ridiculous and quit anyway.

[@LilEdith711]

I thought braces was going to finally make me stop. Somehow I still found a way.

[@BLUE_OCTOBER-TRIX]

@TheTrooper Hang in there brother 5 years sober here you can do it I believe in you

[@cousineddie3302]

I like to chew my toe nails 🤤

[@Sky-de7oy]

I got braces for 3 years and i just found another way with bottom teeth. Glad it worked for u. That's awesome. Only solution i have faith in yet are gel nails but haven't been able to regularly get those yet to say.