3 year old picking fingers and nails

[MumToBe1980]

Hi, during lockdown my son started picking his finger and toe nails and the skin around them. I don't think this is due to anxiety as he hates going to nursery and has loved being home so think it is more of a habit. I try to ignore it and not make a big deal of it but would like to help him stop. Was thinking maybe a leather bracket with little tassels for him to twiddle with his fingers or someone similar, any ideas much appreciated.

Hi OP have you tried other things that he can pick at such as the fluff on an old jumper or some stickers. If that doesnt help maybe put some gloves or socks over one hand to distract him. Hopefully it's just a phase. Also if he's picked at it and it's sore put some sudocrem on it. Hope that helps.

My 4 year old is the same he'll pick his fingernails and toe nails and the cuticle around them until they are sore, he'll then ask me to cut it off so there's nothing left to pick.. until he finds another bit of loose skin/nail and so the cycle continues.
Iv told him off a few times and iv actually caught him sat picking them a lot! I don't know how to stop it