Question
Why does a 6-year-old child frequently chew on his nails? The child had a tonsillectomy last year and was found to chew on nails. He also chews on snot. Previous rescue situation and effectiveness: No treatment has been administered. Desired assistance: What exactly is wrong with the child?
Answer
This behavior in children may be caused by pica resulting from worm infection. When infected with worms, children might develop a preference for eating unusual things. Additionally, zinc deficiency can also lead to similar behaviors in children, accompanied by symptoms such as slow growth, yellowish hair, and decreased appetite. If the child also experiences symptoms like abdominal pain, restless sleep, or grinding teeth, it may indicate worm infection. It is recommended to take the child to a doctor for relevant examinations and treatment as soon as possible.