Stopping the NAIL-BITING HABIT

ASK THE DOCTOR

- DR. AKASH PAUL

My seven-year-old daughter bites her nails. is this habit harmful to her health? how can I stop her? — Mishika Patel, Bengaluru

Nail biting typically begins in childhood, and can cause sore skin and tissue damage, and in some cases, a bacterial infection known as paronychia. But in most cases it is harmless. Almost half of all children and even teens bite their nails. I suggest you trim your daughter’s nails short. Observe her behaviour and identify the reasons triggering nail biting. If she is experiencing stress, calm and reassure her of your full support and love. refrain from punishing or shaming her for nail-biting. Instead praise her if she resolves to give up the habit.