What is the term for bitten nails?

The term for bitten nails is onychophagy. This condition is characterized by the habitual biting of one's nails, which can lead to various problems, including damage to the nail bed and surrounding skin, infection, and changes in the shape and appearance of the nails. Onychophagy is often associated with stress or anxiety, prompting individuals to resort to nail-biting as a coping mechanism.

Understanding onychophagy is crucial in nail care and management, especially for individuals seeking to maintain healthy nails and avoid potential complications from the habit. The other terms listed refer to different nail-related issues, such as onychomycosis, which is a fungal infection of the nails, and hangnails, which are small, torn pieces of skin next to the nails. Lateral nail fold pertains to the sides of the nail, but none of these terms describe the act of biting nails like onychophagy does.