What does it mean when a ten-year-old child bites their nails?
Mar 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
In general, nail-biting in a 10-year-old child may be caused by factors such as bad habits, zinc deficiency, pica, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or anxiety. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. The behavior could stem from imitating friends or classmates who have the habit of nail-biting, leading to the development of this不良 habit. Timely correction is advised. It might also result from insufficient zinc intake or disorders in zinc metabolism or excretion.
In general, nail-biting in a 10-year-old child may be caused by factors such as bad habits, zinc deficiency, pica, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or anxiety. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to identify the underlying cause and initiate appropriate treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Bad Habits
This may result from imitating friends or classmates who have the habit of biting their nails, leading to the development of an undesirable behavior. Timely correction is recommended.
2. Zinc Deficiency
Zinc deficiency may occur due to inadequate dietary intake or impaired metabolism and excretion, resulting in low zinc levels in the body. This can impair nervous system function and lead to emotional disturbances, manifesting as frequent finger-biting and feelings of anxiety. Zinc supplementation under medical guidance—such as glucose acid zinc oral solution, zinc sulfate oral solution, or calcium zinc gluconate—can help correct the deficiency.
3. Pica
Pica may arise from lack of care or excessive psychological stress, causing mental disturbances and an unusual craving for non-food items, which may include nail-biting. Interventions may include creating a supportive family environment, improving nutritional intake, and providing patient guidance.
4. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD typically involves sudden, recurrent, unwanted, and uncontrollable intrusive thoughts, impulses, or behaviors. This may manifest as compulsive nail-biting, temporarily relieving inner tension and anxiety. Treatment may involve selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) prescribed by a doctor to enhance brain serotonin function and alleviate symptoms. Commonly used medications include paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, sertraline hydrochloride tablets, and fluvoxamine maleate tablets.
5. Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder, caused by genetic factors or abnormalities in brain structure, may present as persistent feelings of unease and tension. In such cases, children may resort to nail-biting as a form of self-regulation to reduce emotional distress, often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, sweating, and dry mouth. Anti-anxiety medications prescribed by a physician—such as clonazepam tablets, lorazepam tablets, or alprazolam tablets—can help control excessive anxiety and improve symptoms.
Early intervention generally leads to better treatment outcomes. Therefore, it is advisable to seek standardized medical evaluation and treatment under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional as soon as possible.
