Frequent application of distasteful topical preparations on the nail and periungual skin
can discourage patients from biting and chewing their finger nails. Possible alternatives
include:
•   1% clindamycin
•   quaternary ammonium derivatives
•   4% quinine sulphate in petrolatum.
Patients with severe onychophagia or median nail dystrophy can be helped by daily
bandaging the injured fingers with permeable adhesive tape. Fluoxetine at high dosages
(60 mg/day) can be helpful in interrupting this compulsive disorder in adults.