Self Induced Nail Disorders

Onychophagia and onychotillomania are self-induced nail disorders. Onychophagia involves compulsive biting of the nail past the nail bed leading to nail deformity, textural changes, bleeding cuticles, and risk for infection. Onychotillomania involves tugging, picking, pulling, and manicuring of the nail causing damage and deformity of the nail and surrounding tissue. Diagnostic criteria and management strategies are discussed.