Four-year-old Brandon Fishman has been a nail biter for most of his life and fingernails aren't his only target.

"I started noticing him biting his fingernails, biting his toenails, around 2 1/2," said his mom Joanna Fishman.

Fishman tries to take a low-key approach to her son's bad habit.

"He and I have a little remembering signal: when I see Brandon biting his nails, I’ll say to him, Brandon, do you need me to clip your nails?" Fishman said.

Gentle reminders can help nail biters become aware of what they are doing, but experts say there is one tactic that is never effective.

"A parent should never try to shame or belittle a child. That always is counterproductive. That usually reinforces the habit, makes the child more anxious about it," said pediatrician Dr. Marianne Neifert.

Instead, Neifert said to try these strategies to help him leave biting behind. First, smooth out rough edges and hangnails with a soft emery board, and rub some lotion on your child's hands frequently. Children are more likely to chew nails and cuticles that are chapped and dry.

Avoid astringents and lotions designed to make nails taste bad; there is little evidence that they work.

After playtime, clean your child's hands. At the first sign of infection, like redness, pus or swelling, apply a small amount of antibiotic cream and see your pediatrician.

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