Thumb-Sucking, Nail Biting Kids May Have Lower Allergy Risk

Young children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails may be less likely to develop allergies later in childhood, according to a new study that spanned three decades. Although the results do not suggest that kids should take up these habits, they do suggest that the habits may help protect against allergies into adulthood, the researchers said. "Many parents discourage these habits, and we do not have enough evidence to [advise they] change this," said Dr. Robert Hancox, an associate pro