Biting

16/07/2011 by spindlygiraffe.

James’ eczema is still ok on his face.  He was really crotchety on Friday coming home from pre-school.  Yesterday I noticed a couple of infected areas, on the back of his neck and his leg.  It really seems to drain his energy and he benefits from a multi vitamin boost to stave off tiredness.  I’m glad I can relate the two, even though Friday was tough I can now understand why it was and won’t get him doing so much activity.  Pre-school is a long way when you are under the weather - we might be lazy and drive on Monday!

My husband and I have got really frustrated by James biting / eating away at his hands.  I understand biting to stop an itch.  However biting off bits of skin seems a bit revolting.  He is always fiddling with his hands in his mouth trying to get loose bits of skin off.  It looks horrid, pulls more skin off than is necessary and a 4 year old certainly has no shame or embarrassment.  He could be talking to anyone or doing anything, find that little bit of skin and the hand will go in his mouth.

It was upsetting, frustrating, difficult to understand, I wanted to stop him, help him… lots of emotions, it even made me cross.  Then I realised I actually bite round my fingers too.  What a confession!  Writing this tonight, reminds me that when I was little, I too bit my hands.  Lol, I’ve just been reading over this and caught myself doing it!  How revolting - hide under the disguise of the computer!

So what can we do?  Wear gloves?  I think getting the air to his hands helps, so we only use them when he is really itchy.  Tape round each of his finger nails with micropore tape or a plaster? Seriously considered this, but he bites the palm of his hand.   Can I stop myself?  Having written this I will be much more aware of what I am doing!

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