Which condition can be caused by a nervous habit?

Onychophagy, commonly known as nail biting, is indeed a condition that can result from a nervous habit. Individuals who experience anxiety or stress may engage in nail biting as a way to cope, leading to the actual biting and chewing of their nails. This habit not only affects the appearance of the nails but can also result in damage to the nail bed and surrounding skin, increasing the risk of infection.

Understanding onychophagy is important in the context of nail technology, as it may affect the services provided to clients and necessitate discussions about nail health and potential corrective measures. In contrast to other conditions listed, onychomycosis is a fungal infection, onychoschizia involves splitting or peeling of the nails often due to physical wear or dehydration, and paronychia is an infection of the skin around the nail. These conditions do not stem from habits in the same way that onychophagy does.