Frequently asked auestions

Yes, the same AI technology detects multiple BFRBs including nose picking, eyelash pulling, eyebrow hair pulling, and ear picking. You can customize which facial zones trigger interventions based on your specific BFRB patterns.

Yes, Hands Off offers multiple intervention options: full-screen overlay, full-screen without camera, or small notification popup. Sensitivity adjusts from high (catches subtle approaches) to low (only clear attempts). Most users start with medium sensitivity.

Hands Off only analyzes your face and hand positions, not your screen content. Plus, since everything is local, there's no risk of screen data leaving your device.

Hands Off continues working normally. Only the subscription verification needs internet, and that has a grace period.

You can monitor your device's storage - Hands Off creates no video files on your computer. You can also check your network activity to see that no large video data is being uploaded. The app processes video in real-time memory only.

Look for physical damage like infections, scarring, or bleeding. Check if you're hiding your hands or avoiding social situations. If you've tried to stop multiple times without success, or spend hours on the behavior, you need help. About 45% of people have multiple BFRBs, so watch for other behaviors too.

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) has 60-80% success rates - it teaches you to catch yourself and do something else instead. AI-powered apps like Hands Off watch your hands through your webcam and alert you instantly when you start to bite or pick. Most people combine both approaches for best results.

Yes, complete recovery is possible. Most people see major improvements with proper treatment, and many stop entirely. Earlier treatment gives better results. Some need occasional 'tune-ups' during stressful periods, but combining behavioral training with technology assistance gives you the best chance at long-term success.

Both. If family members have similar habits, you're more likely to develop them. But stress usually triggers or worsens the behavior during exams, deadlines, or major life changes. You can't change genetics, but you can learn better stress management and catch yourself before the behavior starts.

No, when properly calibrated, Hands Off distinguishes between normal activities and BFRB behaviors. Eating, drinking, applying makeup, or adjusting glasses won't trigger false positives. The AI analyzes duration, hand shape, and movement patterns for accurate detection.

Real-time intervention is significantly more effective than after-the-fact tracking. Unlike bitter polish or manual logging apps, Hands Off provides immediate intervention at the moment habits begin, achieving 70-90% reduction in episodes within the first week for most users.

Hands Off only works during computer use since it requires webcam access. However, breaking the habit during your highest-risk period (computer work) often reduces overall nail-biting frequency throughout the day.

Hands Off includes comprehensive analytics: daily detection counts, current streak length, weekly trends, and longest streak. You can identify patterns and high-risk periods to maintain motivation, with most users eliminating the habit within 2-4 weeks.

Hands Off processes all video analysis locally on your device using on-device AI models. No video frames or webcam data ever leave your computer. The only network activity is a lightweight authentication check every 5 minutes to verify your subscription.

The medical term for nail biting is onychophagia, which comes from Greek words meaning "nail eating." This clinical term helps distinguish between casual nail biting and more serious compulsive behaviors.

Nail biting disorder typically stems from psychological factors, including stress, anxiety, perfectionism, and boredom. Environmental triggers, learned behaviors, and neurological habit patterns also contribute to the development of compulsive nail biting.

The nail biting habit becomes problematic when it causes physical damage, infections, bleeding, or significantly impacts daily life and social interactions. If you cannot stop despite adverse consequences, it may indicate a nail biting disorder.

Chronic nail biting can lead to infections, dental problems, nail deformities], and permanent damage to nail beds. The behavior also poses risks of bacterial transmission and can impact professional and social opportunities.

Yes, it can be treated through various approaches, including behavioral strategies, awareness training, replacement habits, and modern technology solutions like webcam monitoring for real-time intervention.

Anxious nail biting typically occurs in response to specific stress triggers and tends to be more intense during periods of high anxiety. This type of nail biting often serves as an immediate coping mechanism for overwhelming emotions.

ADHD nail biting often responds well to treatments that address both the underlying ADHD symptoms and the nail biting behavior. They might include medication for ADHD, fidget tools, and behavioral interventions designed specifically for neurodivergent individuals.

Nail biting has both genetic and environmental components. Research shows that over 30% of people who bite their nails have a family member with the same habit, suggesting genetic influence. However, environmental factors and learned behaviors also play significant roles.

Yes, chronic nail biting can be a symptom of various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and OCD. However, not everyone who bites their nails has an anxiety disorder.