(01-05-2011, 01:02 PM)Sila Wrote:

(01-05-2011, 12:20 AM)jdefyingravity Wrote: Thank you for the suggestions Sarah, I appreciate it! I wish I could just leave my nails long, but they collect stuff under them really easily and just look icky (TMI?). I will definitely try out using the nail scissors. A plus today is that they are not as bad as normal on day two, so either I'm better regulated right now (sleeping better!) or really trying to not cut them too short helped. I am still flicking my fingers over their edges a lot, but that's not so bad.

Sila - I am a proud non-biter (almost) for awhile now, so I am trying to steer clear of that habit
Jaimie

hehe, I gave up trying to not bite my nails. I'm constantly trying to get input from my mouth, and that often results in my fingers in my mouth if nothing else.

Good luck though :3 I have that problem with showers/baths mostly. My hair being washed, after it's done it feels so weird and off for the next few days. My skin feels all dry and it drives me nuts, but I can't handle the texture/smell of lotion.

I do clip my toenails though but just every now and then.

Try showering before you cut them, makes them softer.

I try to shower before cutting my nails with nail scissors. I makes it much less painful and gives a more even cut.

I keep my nails as short as possible. I have to cut them every two weeks or I cut my body to shreds with them whenever my skin itches (often).

Typing also becomes unbearable for me with long nails.

I can not wear nail polish. It makes my nails dissolve and it can take months for them to grow back.

I rarely will use lotion. I hate that greasy burning feeling. At least I have a lotion that no longer causes a rash when I use it.

Ok, where are you all finding nail scissors? I couldn't find them at rite aid. They had a different type of clipper (looked like something you'd use to cut a cat/dogs nails) and I tried it - but it turned out to be way worse than typical clippers. It also took a lot more hand pressure to cut the nail. I needed extra force from my thumb, but I have diminished strength because I (oddly) have arthritis in my thumbs (at 23).

I'm sorry about that, Jaimie. The nail scissors are shaped like very small needlepoint scissor but have curved blades, so they're pretty easy to identify. I've gotten mine anywhere from Wal-Mart to the local dollar store. Sometimes, they only come in nail care kits, sometimes they sell them by themselves. They are not nearly as common as regular nail clippers, but I can almost always find them whenever I go.

Thank you! I will definitely be on the lookout for a pair. My nails are getting to the point that I have to cut them. Big SIGH. I hate that I dread something that I really feel I have no control over

Jaimie

I actually can't tolerate long nails. Even since I've been old enough to use clippers, I've kept them almost compulsively short. Just something, whether its them getting dirty, or whatever, makes me hate long nails. Nail clippers aren't an issue for me, but I do hate nail files. That is the most creepy, awful feeling. If I don't have clippers available, I've never had an issue with just biting them. I often used to do that at school when nervous. Its never just nails for me though; I get rid of any "bad" bits of skin on my hands as well.

Nail Files are bad. They hurt too much to use. All sanding paper also hurts too much to use. Just touching the paper hurts not even when sanding something.

Metal nail files are OK, but nail scissors are better.

I'm happy to report that the nail issue has gotten slightly better!! I finally found some nail scissors and they are working GREAT on my left hand (I am right handed), but I struggle to use them with my left hand. Unfortunately, this means that the nails on my right hand often get cut too short and sometimes turn out rough and need filing. Luckily, I can handle using the metal nail file (sort of). Unfortunately, sometimes I still end up feeling horribly defensive. I've also been trying to prepare myself with some heavy input before, I think it is helping!

Oh well, one good hand is better than 2 bad!!

Jaimie

Once you get used to using the scissors with your left hand it will slowly improve the nails on your right hand. I highly recommend cutting your nails after a shower. That way your nails are more forgiving of mistakes.

Thanks for the suggestions!!

Jaimie