Help! 3 yr old DD picking/biting nails until infected

[pollmeister]

Im at my wits end - my 3 and a half year old daughter has been biting/picking her nails down to the quick. Her thumb became very swollen and infected and she had to go to Docs who put her on a course of hideous tasting antibiotics for a week - getting her to take them was a complete song and dance every time. The thumb started to improve and now I have just seen that she has pulled/bitten the corner off again and it has really upset me. I thought the vile medicine would be a deterrent but obviously not. Any one got any tips or has their child done it too? My DD is a happy little soul and not nervous or anything so why does she do it? I ask her and she won't really say why. x

I don't know if they still sell it but there used to be something you could paint on fingers that tasted nasty (but harmless) to act as a deterrent for nail-biting and thumb-sucking. It is a nervous habit... I've done it myself for years and, to meet me, you'd never describe me as nervous or unhappy either. Does she tend to pick any scabs that form on knees etc? The desire to 'tidy up' bits of dry skin and imperfections can often lead to more nibbling and picking, especially when bored or a little stressed.

My personal cure is a little more drastic and involves a combination of french nail polish, nail file, hand-cream and the juice of chilli-peppers (just have to remember not to rub my eyes afterwards.. ) I would recommend the nail polish and file but not the chilli juice for a three year-old

Stop 'n' Grow is a clear liquid you can paint on nails to stop children biting their nails (can also be used as a thumb-sucking deterrent). It tastes bitter so biting nails won't have the attraction.

Mean to add that you can buy Stop'n'grow over the counter at many high street pharmacies. Not expensive and it lasts for ages because you only need the tiniest smear on each finger nail.

Thanks - yes I think Chil1234 may be right about the "tidying up" of bits of dry skin etc. And probably when Im working at the computer(I work from home) and she's left to 'amuse' herself guilty face.
I thought about Stop N Grow (god! reminds me of middle school!) But I think she picks them rather than bites them. Also theres practically no nails to paint!
ARGH!