Are thumb-sucking and nail-biting bad for kids?
Investigators examine whether thumb-sucking and nail-biting are all that bad.
Thumb-sucking and nail-biting may not be all bad. Children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails between ages 5 and 11 years are less likely than youngsters without these habits to have atopic sensitization at age 13 years and beyond, a study in more than 1000 New Zealanders found. Investigators noted that since thumb-sucking and nail-biting probably increase microbial exposure, these findings offer additional support for the hygiene hypothesis (Lynch SJ, et al. Pediatrics. 2016;138[2]:e20160443).
Next: Algorithm accurately identifies babies at low risk of IBI
Ms Freedman is a freelance medical editor and writer in New Jersey. She has nothing to disclose in regard to affiliations with or financial interests in any organizations that may have an interest in any part of this article.
Comparison of teen- and parent-reported estimates of social and emotional support, 2021 to 2022
July 23rd 2024The investigative team noted that teenagers with emotional and social support are better off to handle stressors such as biological and social transition, and are less likely to experience a variety of adverse physical and mental health outcomes.
