Thumb-Sucking, Nail-Biting, and Atopic Sensitization, Asthma, and Hay Fever

Abstract

SJ Lynch, MR Sears, RJ Hancox. Pediatrics. 2016;138(2):e20160443 Thumb-sucking and nail-biting are common behaviors in children that likely increase exposure to microbes. The hygiene hypothesis suggests that children with early exposure to a more diverse array of microbes may have a decreased risk of developing atopic diseases. The authors of this study examine the relationship between thumb-sucking and nail-biting habits in children and the development of atopy. This was a population-based birth cohort with 1037 subjects born in Dunedin, New Zealand. Subjects were managed to age 38 years. Parents were asked to report their children’s thumb-sucking and nail-biting behaviors at ages 5, 7, 9, and 11 years. Skin prick testing for common aeroallergens was completed at age 13 years and again at age 32 years. Participants were regarded as having atopic sensitization if …