Question
The baby keeps sucking on their thumb, and many methods have been tried without success. Is it appropriate to use metronidazole to apply on the fingers to prevent the sucking behavior?
Answer
Applying metronidazole to a baby’s fingers to prevent the sucking behavior is not an appropriate method. Metronidazole is a medication and should not be used lightly on infants, especially not through routes other than oral administration. Sucking on fingers is usually a normal behavior in infants and typically stops gradually after teething. In rare cases, if finger-sucking leads to mouth ulcers or affects tooth alignment, professional medical intervention and advice may be necessary. It is recommended to consult a pediatrician for appropriate advice and treatment methods.