Nail biters at risk of getting coronavirus: It’s the ‘easiest way to get an infection’

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How biting your nails could put you at serious risk of getting coronavirus: Infectious disease specialist warns the habit is the ‘easiest way to contract an infection’ – as experts reveal how to STOP doing it once and for all

An allergy and infectious diseases specialist has issued a severe warning to nail biters about how the bad habit could seriously increase the risk of contracting coronavirus.

Purvi Parikh, an allergy and infectious disease specialist with New York University’s Langone Medical Center, advised that all kinds of ‘bacteria, viruses, dirt, and debris’ can collect under the nails – and this can then be transferred into your mouth when you bite your nails, particularly if you aren’t washing or sanitizing your hands properly.

‘Every time you touch your face — especially your mouth, nose, and eyes — you’re transferring all of those germs. And you can get sick,’ she told The Cut, adding that germs going directly into your mouth is ‘the easiest way you can contract any infection’.

Stop! An allergy and infectious diseases specialist has warned that biting your nails is the ‘easiest way to contract an infection’ in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak (stock image)

She added: ‘There are so many infections going around this time of year, from bacterial to viral to the flu. But then on top of that, given that we now have this coronavirus, there’s even more reason not to bite your nails.’

But kicking the bad habit takes a lot more than the simple understanding that it isn’t hygienic or healthy – particularly because most people aren’t even aware that they are doing it.

Experts insist that it can be done though – and have shared a few simple tips for how to conquer the unhygienic habit once and for all, including wearing gloves, giving yourself regular manicures, and chewing gum.

Alec Ginsberg, a fourth generation pharmacist with CO Bigelow Apothecaries, told DailyMail.com that while wearing gloves ‘may not be a practical solution for around the clock’, it is a very good deterrent for anyone who bites their nails.

Warning: Purvi Parikh explained that all kinds of ‘bacteria, viruses, dirt, and debris’ can collect under the nails’ and these are then transferred to your mouth

‘This may not be a practical solution for around the clock, but if you live in a cold area and are going to be moving around outside, put gloves on even if you normally wouldn’t,’ he suggested.

Alec also advised that ‘keeping your teeth and your fingers busy’ is a way to prevent yourself from unconsciously putting your fingers in your mouth.

‘Chewing gum is a good way to keep your teeth gnawing on something that is not your nails,’ he said.

‘The same idea applies to your fingers. I tell people that something as simple as fidgeting with a rubber band in your fingers will keep you from bringing them to your face. If you have any fidget spinners left from the craze a few years ago… those work great too!’

Esthetician Renee Rouleau agrees that keeping your fingers busy is a great way to ensure they stay away from your face – a habit that she helps people who pick at their blemishes to break.

The skincare pro even launched a special gadget – the No Picking! Twisty Toy – to keep fingers occupied and away from the face, noting: ‘[It is] ideal to use when at your desk, watching a movie or the TV or anytime you feel the need to touch your face.’

Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann revealed to DailyMail.com that she has seen ‘most people find success in stopping nail biting when they get or give themselves a manicure every four days or so’.

But simply coating your nails with a fresh layer of polish isn’t enough to remove the temptation to bite, Deborah warns, explaining that you need to make sure any area of the nail that might draw you in to chew should be taken care of.