Wednesday, March 9, 2011

It's got a name: Onychophagia

Cruising around Google, I found out my condition has a name. I can't even pronounce it--onychophagia--but I feel so relieved.  Wait...maybe I don't.  


So the entry I found says that chronic nail nibblers  may experience bleeding, bruises, infections, or even permanent damage to the fingers. The behavior is often unconscious, and people with this compulsion may have difficulty stopping because they may be unaware of their actions.


It's kind of exciting, especially the blood part, but, um, infections or permanent damage to the fingers?  Has anyone thought about damage to the wrist?


I wonder if there is a name for that?