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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Biting skin on fingers
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Biting skin on fingers
by LauraChall, May 11, 2008 04:23PM
I am a 31 year old female and for at least 20years (possibly longer) I have been biting the skin around my fingers. I used to bite my nails but managed to stop that habit.
I bite the skin until it bleeds and on my thumbs right down to my knuckles. It is very painful and looks unsightly but I cannot stop doing it. Do you have any suggestions on why I maybe doing this and how I can stop and if there is anything I can use.
Many thanks
I bite the skin until it bleeds and on my thumbs right down to my knuckles. It is very painful and looks unsightly but I cannot stop doing it. Do you have any suggestions on why I maybe doing this and how I can stop and if there is anything I can use.
Many thanks
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., May 12, 2008 04:24AM
, May 12, 2008 04:24AM
It is likely this behavior began as a means of stress/tension reduction and developed into a habit pattern. You can stop it via a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and perhaps medication. This Forum addresses child issues, but you should post your question in the Mental Health Forum for additional guidance.
Member Comments (2)
by HazelLynn, May 14, 2008 01:51PM
To: Laurachall
Hi, try putting nail biting varnish on, or piri piri. My kids sometimes do the same, and I am so worried about all the germs that they may be transmitting to their system, that I put the varnish on and it stops them whilst its on.
