2.5yr fingernail chewing...HELP!

clml923

DD is 2.5 and has been gnawing on her fingernails for a long time now.  Thought she would grow out of it but we were still trying to keep them out.  She now only chews on them when DH and I are not looking (ie nap and at bedtime).  I have not cut her fingernails in over a year, probably.  It's been forever.  It's gotten so bad she's starting to chew on the skin beneath where her nails should be.  I asked the pedi and he said she'd grow out of it.  NOT happy with that answer! 

Any suggestions?  TIA.

addison_clark

My 2.5 yo bites his nails too.  One night after he went to bed, he started crying out and I ran in there to see his mouth and bed covered in blood!   He had chewed his toenail so low it bled.  And it bled alot!  We have to keep socks or footie pjs on him at all times and during the day we started using "Thumb" for his fingernails.  Its a yucky tasting dip for his fingers.  It helps a little, but with all the hand washing we do- we haven't been very good at always reapplying the thumb dip. I make sure I put it on him whenever we will be in the car or watching tv bc that is when he bites the most.

clml923

What is "Thumb" and where can I find some?!  I'm up for anything right now.  DH suggested putting Tabasco on her fingers.  I vetoed it for the obvious reasons, but it would get her attention and possibly end the problem.