Nail Biting! - Land O Lakes,FL

This may sound crazy but it could possibly be a sensory issue. My son was 3 when we discovered he had it and it was not that obvious. We took him to a highly recommended Occupational Therapist and sure enough he did. We took him once a week for about 6 -9 months. He is a changed boy now. Instead of trying all the nail remedies that have been used and not successful fro years, just give this guy a call and talk to him. He will be honest with you and tell you if it's no big deal or not. I personally would rather treat the emotional reason as to why she is doing it than fight her for the rest of her life.

Eric Graffeo
Its For Kids
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4902 Creekside Drv Ste. A
Clearwater FL 33760
USA

I hope you find your answer!

There is a clear nail polish you can buy anywhere they sell nail polish and it has a horrible taste to it. It stops them from wanting to put their hands or feet in their mouth because of the taste. There are many different kinds. I hope this helps.

Im writing to you to say my son is also a healthy 4 yr old that bites his nails. I too was a nail biter, my parents tried it ALL. As i got older and wanted pretty nails I just stopped. I do still tell my son to get his fingers out of his mouth but I spend more time making sure his hand washing hygiene is good to prevent illness and infection. It is really hard to deform your nails by biting she would have to totally damage the nail bed. In time she will stop like I did Im sure.
Hope this is some what encouraging and helpful.

Hi D., My name is K. S. I also have a child that bites his nails. But he is 10 and autistic. I've tried everything you have including that clear polish that tastes nasty. It didn't work. He just chewed right through it. He bites is nails down to the quick, cuticles, everything. Keeping his fingers out of his mouth is one of his IEP goals. He doesn't get to his toes, THANK GOD!! I manage to cut them before he gets any ideas. I wish I could help, but I am in the same dilemma as you. All I do is everyday tell him to keep his hands out of his mouth. Eventually he will learn. Sorry. :-(

Hi D.,
I can tell you that there is not much that you can do. My 12 year old has bit her nails since she was 2 years old or so.. She is healthy. No medical problems.
I have tried everything... painting nails. pulling her hand away from her mouth. Making faces... but nothing helped.

Good luck.

They sell this stuff @ CVS, probably other places too, but I have seen it there. It's called "Bite It" "The Easy Way To Stop Nail Biting" It has a very nasty taste to it, but it does help to stop w/ the biting. Hope that helps! Good luck!

L.

D.,

Feel free to check into the sensory this. It may be a form of OCD. I am no expert on this.

I know it is hard to reason with a 2 yr old. I do recommend the stop bite nail polish, bitter apple (or similar), or even tobasco sauce on nails.

If she is biting them because they are too long, then try to keep the trimmed you self. I know it is REALLY hard because their nails grow soooo fast.

Good Luck