Patient's question:
Starting from the age of 3, I have been eating my hands and haven't been able to stop. When I was 4, I went to the hospital for a check-up and was found to be deficient in zinc. Later, I took supplements. But every check-up after that showed no deficiency in trace elements. Now, the habit of eating my hands is very severe. What should I do?Doctor's answer:
This phenomenon of eating one's fingers is also quite common during childhood, and it is often caused by a lack of zinc and calcium in the child. It is appropriate to consume some foods that aid in the digestion of calcium and zinc for treatment, enhancing overall nutrition. This can include eating more coarse grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, which can all help with digestion and improve physical fitness. When the child cannot resist, scold them to help them develop the habit of not eating their fingers, gradually correcting the behavior.