If you know a nail biter – tell them they’ll get warts!

Nail biting is one nasty habit – and it’s super-hard to break...

If you know someone that could use a little incentive to stop nibbling, the threat of warts might help. Dr. Neal B. Schultz, author of “It’s Not Just About Wrinkles,” says all that gnawing is opening up little doors in the skin that lets wart causing strains of HPV in. Once those warts take hold, it will only get worse. Your lips and mouth do a great job at spreading that virus around your nails and fingertips.

Dr. Shultz, a reformed nail-biter himself, suggests trying one of the over-the-counter products that coat the nails. They create an unpleasant taste or burning sensation in the mouth and can really help a biter be more aware.