Thumb-Sucking, Nail-Biting Can Actually Keep Allergies at Bay

PhotoCredit:istock Is your toddler addicted to “bad habits” such as thumb-sucking or nail-biting? Worry not, as according to a study, she or he is less likely to develop allergic sensitivities in the long run. The findings showed that children with both thumb-sucking or nail-biting habits were less likely to be allergic to things such as house dust mites, grass, cats, dogs, horses or airborne fungi. “Our findings are consistent with the hygiene theory that early exposure to dirt or germs reduces the risk of developing allergies,” said Malcolm Sears, professor…

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Thumb-sucking and nail-biting kids have less allergies

NEW DELHI: Children who suck thumbs or keep biting their nails get scolded a lot for these bad habits. But new research has found that there is a positive side to these habits. Such children are less likely to develop common allergies to house dust mites, grass, cats, dogs, horses or airborne fungi. Children who have both habits are even less likely to have these allergies. The research, published in the journal of Pediatrics today, was completed by researchers of New Zealand’s Dunedin School of Medicine, assisted by professor Malcolm…

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