How To Change The Habit Of A Child Eating Hair And Biting Nails?

Posted on Wed, 11 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 Answered on

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, My daughter, 5 yrs old, is having a habit of eating hair. Also she bites her nail n eat that. How to change this habit? And, now-a-days she is telling often that she feels stomach pain. That too especially after having her food. I am confused and worried. Is that because of her habit? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Relax. Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. I understand your concern. These habits are sometimes seen in early childhood. But I suggest you to do following things -try to ignore her habit and do not scold her for doing this as it will potentiate her habit. -whenever you see him doing such activity divert her attention to something constructive as playing,building blocks. - give her some incentives for not doing this like taking her for outing/telling stories/giving her some food items of her choice. Observe her behavior for sometime . Regarding her pain abdomen pain I suggest you to get her examined by pediatrician as sometimes ultrasound of abdomen is required to rule out any underlying condition. Hope I have answered your query.If you have any follow up question I would be glad to help. Wishing your child good health. God bless...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar