How to stop nail picking?

[belgina]

My dd1(6) has started nail picking, both on her fingers and toes. I think it started somewhere in the autumn, because that's when I realised all of a sudden that I hadn't cut her nails in ages. Her nails are now extremely short and I worry a little that she'll hurt herself in the end. I'm also worried about why she's doing it, but she says she doesn't know either.
Any suggestions as to how to get her to stop?

If you find out, let me know. I'm still doing it and I'm 38.

Ah... right... Sounds like there's not all that much I can do about it then. I know how to tackle nail biting, but not how to tackle picking. Hope someone comes along with a helpful suggestion.

It's an odd habit, I do it without thinking about it and then I suddenly realise my fingers are sore. It's worst when my hands are dry, but I don't expect your dd has that problem. If she does it in bed you could always try to put socks and gloves on her?

Tips for nail biting welcomed here too. My dd bites her nails (fingers and toes) virtually down to the joint. She also picks her skin around them. apart from the unsightly nature, she often makes herself bleed. I have found that a bit of micropore around her thumbs helps.

I have the same promlem with DD1 (age 4.5). I keep her finger nails short, cut them every fortnight or so as they grow like a blimmin' werewolf's! I also make her put some of my hand cream on everytime I notice her doing it. She only does it when she's stressed and anxious or feeling unwell (lots of time in hospital atm, so that's quite often). I've tried bribery a couple of times when it was really bad - I told her that if she could leave her fingers alone while she finished doing the picture she was making, then I would go to the shop and buy her a magazine. I had to remind her a few times, but it did work and she didn't pick for the rest of the day. I've resorted to taping her fingers up on one occasion too ...can't say that worked though!

DD2 (age 2.5) bites her finger and toe nails. Again it's only at times when she's anxious. I usually find that just taking her hands away from hewr mouth and distracting her with something else works, for a few minutes anyway.