Children who suck their thumbs are less likely to develop allergic sensitivies, and are even less likely to if they also bite their nails, according to a new study. This finding is consistent with previous studies that suggest children who are exposed to dirt or germs have a reduced risk of developing allergies.
The study completed by researchers in New Zealand and Canada looked at the habits of one thousand children aged 5, 7, 9, and 11 and measured their allergic sensitivities at ages 13 and 32. Of these 31 per cent were frequent thumb suckers or nail biters.
‘A positive side to these habits’
Of those who did neither, 45 per cent showed sensitivities on allergy skin tests. Among thumb-suckers only 40 per cent did, and of those with both habits only 31 per cent had allergies. The trend continued into adulthood.
Said researcher Prof. Malcolm Sears of McMaster University, “While we don’t recommend that these habits should be encouraged, there does appear to be a positive side to these habits.”
Neither habit seemed to affect the development of asthma or hayfever.
The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.
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