Patient's question:
Loves sucking thumb; Tried all methods but none work. Now I want to apply metronidazole on her fingers. Is it okay? Just crush metronidazole, mix it with water, and apply it on her fingers. When she sucks, it won't be as sweet because metronidazole is the bitterest.Past treatment history and effectiveness: Tried everything but nothing works.
What help is needed: Can metronidazole be used? Are there any side effects?
Doctor's answer:
Babies sucking their fingers is innate, detectable even through ultrasound, as some fetuses start doing it in the womb. Generally, children are in the oral stage from birth to one year old. During this period, their tactile and visual development is not yet mature, so the mouth is their most sensitive sense. Therefore, babies suck their fingers when they are bored or tired, seeking pleasure and a sense of security. For infants under one year old, sucking fingers is a wonderful thing, and there is no need to correct it immediately. Most children naturally stop sucking their fingers after they start teething at around one year old, though a very small number continue the habit even after turning two.