Nail Biting

Vice-O-Meter: 2.5

The Harm:
This pervasive habit is sometimes a sign of an underlying mental health condition, such as anxiety or an impulse control disorder. It isn’t likely to cause long-term damage or interfere with fingernail growth as long as the nail bed remains intact, but it can lead to infection. As you chew on your fingertips, bacteria or possibly even pinworm eggs under the surface of the nails can enter your mouth. When you have a sore on your lips or in your mouth, it’s even easier for germs to get in.

The Cure:
If I didn’t get you with “pinworm,” go to your pharmacy and pick up one of the bitter-tasting clear polishes designed to discourage nail biters from biting. Research shows they really can work.

Wearing Contacts for Too Long

Vice-O-Meter: 3

The Harm:
A 2011 study found that as many as 67 percent of contact wearers use their lenses for longer than the manufacturer recommends. But remembering to switch to a new pair is worth the effort: About one-quarter of the “noncompliant” study subjects reported symptoms ranging from conjunctivitis to corneal abrasion. Even with regular cleaning, contacts may become coated with proteins, lipids, and environmental irritants, all of which can lead to a variety of complications.

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