picking at finger/toe nails/skin

[biffnbuster]

My next door neighbour is worried about her 3 year old daughter. She will pick at her nails and skin around them till they bleed. The mum has tried painting them, and keeping them filed. If the mums sees her doing it and tell her to stop she will hide and do it. The mum said tonight that she is worried about adhd. All I could suggest was having a word with her teacher at preschool. Anyone any ideas ?? Thanks.

I don't know what to say to stop it- I still do this at the tender age of 27!

I've turned out fairly normal. No signs of ADHD or any serious problems! It's a nervous habit I think. Dh always knows when I've had a bad day just by looking at my hands.

I don't think it's anything to worry about tbh xxx

I've known it to be linked to OCD, never ADHD. It's called dermatillamania and is classed as self harming (though it is a sliding scale, nail biting is on there)
I'm not sure how it's treated in young kids, i know cbt can be effective in older children, teens and adults.
Perhaps bring it up with gp?

I've done it all my life - it's vile but I'm generally considered to be "normal"

My mum does it too and so does DS1

Thank you for your answers, will let neighbour know.

Glad you are normal Miaow, she will bring it up with the gp next time.

DS2, aged 10, does it too. Threats and distractions don't work, but rewards have. He has done if for years. If I offer him a super prize, once all of his nails are long enough to clip, then he will refrain - until he's got his prize, then we are back to step one!

(Ds2 is adhd-ish too. Not diagnosed, very bright, fidgety, finds it hard to chill . . . .)

I'd say nothing to about. I have done it all my life much to the despair of my dm and dh. He throws me "the look" when ever he catches me doing it!!!!