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Expert Q&A
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| By John Dorsey, M.D. Pediatrician | ||
 |
My 2-year-old granddaughter picks the skin around her finger and toenails. How can I stop this behavior?
This is a common nervous habit. The best medicine here is to just tell her, "Please don't pick your fingernails – I don't like seeing it." You shouldn't get angry or over-involved. Just continue to use that line, and she will grow out of it.
It is very similar to the way to teach children not to pick their nose. The behavior will settle down in time and is nothing to worry about long term.
Pediatrician Dr. John Dorsey"
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