Is there something I can put on my son's fingernails to stop him from biting them all the time? He chews them down until they're red and sore. I'm sure he's also picking up a ton of germs too. I think it's a nervous habit that has gotten out of hand. I want something that will taste horrible, but obviously not harm him. Thanks for any suggestions:)
You should look into this stuff:
It is a polish-type stuff that you can brush onto children's nails (called "Mavala Stop") to prevent nail biting and thumb sucking. I assume it is safe, but I would look into it further before putting it on your child's finger nails.
http://www.amazon.com/s.html/103-###-###-####-###-###-###...
You might be able to buy it at a drugstore? If not I know they have it on amazon and ebay.
There is a product at Meijer in the cosmetic department called Stop Bite. There are also a few others but I cannot remember the names of them. It tastes very bitter. I think it is safe for children but double check before using it.
When I was a little girl, I sucked my thumb. My mom put clove oil on my thumb before I went to sleep one night and I never did it again!! It's safe to put in your mouth but the taste is absolutely terrible! I never sucked my thumb again and I'm sure this would have the same effect for nail biting. Good luck!
Anyone who thinks that the Mavala Stop is harmless... Look at the ingredients sometime. I'm just starting the search for a way to stop nail biting. I'd never use this on my child
hmm. being a nail picker/biter myself there probably isn't any product that will work. Try to teach him as he grows, but it's kind of like thumbsucking when he decides to stop is when it will stop. Try redirecting, or bribery even, but it may be he will do it always, much to your dismay no doubt, it's just who he is. I find when I have a lot of activities going on I don't really think about my hands and they start growing really good. But even in comfortable situations, I do (pick at 'em) I have also seen other folks who do when they are relaxed. almost like a comfort motion type thing. I had every kind of touturous thing, taste wise, done when I was young; stopzit tabasco ... ask him about it. Maybe you guys can figure out what the feeling is that triggers it, but activities work best I think. Good luck!! :)
