Help with Biting Nails and Skin

Updated on May 12, 2010
S.D. asks from Valhalla, NY
4 answers

Hi my 4 year old has been biting his finger nails for a while and now his nails are very short and he is eating the skin! I have talked to him about stopping and he tells me that his skin hurts so I put lotion on them thinking that it is dry skin. But he keeps doing this. How can I get him to stop!

Thanks,

S.

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More Answers

K.I.

answers from Spokane on

I just asked my son's (also 4) Dr. this very question, just today! He just showed me his nails...which he obviously bites...and said "It's a better stress habit than smoking"

I am going the route of trying to NOT make a big issue out of it and hoping he will grow out of it...or in the very least I won't stress him out more by nagging him about it.

My son also bites his toes...and the skin...I do point it out to him occasionally when I think he has bitten one down too low!?

Sorry I do not have any answers for you...but your not alone! I worry about this very much too!

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D.P.

answers from New York on

אני חושבת שאת יכולה למרוח לו לק בטעם מר על מנת שלא יוכל לכרסם ציפורניים ולא לקרסם את העור i think you need to put him naill lak whit samthing that test not so good maby it could hellp you
daniel

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R.T.

answers from New York on

Naturally the more he chews on his fingers the more it hurts. Keep applying lotion but tie some gloves on his hands for a few days to let them heal, then perhaps you can get him to stop when they no longer hurt. If that does not work see a Doctor there might be another problem.

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R.M.

answers from Portland on

Hi S.,

My local pediatric dentist has a "nail polish" that helps kids stop sucking their thumb, I'm sure it would help with nail biting too. I'd start with your child's doctor and ask if they have something.

Also nail biting can be a sign of stress, look at your child's enviroment and see if something has changed and make him scared.

R. Magby

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