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General Medical Questions
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Q: My 5-year-old daughter constantly puts her fingers into her mouth and on her face. She twirls and chews her hair and pulls on her eyelashes. What might cause this behavior and how do I find help?
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The Trusted Source
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Claire McCarthy, M.D.

Claire McCarthy, M.D., is an assistant professor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and medical director of the Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. She is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications.

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May 04, 2009
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A:

The actions you describe could just be habits that she will outgrow, but they could also be compulsive behaviors. When people have compulsive behaviors, they are driven to do things because they feel they have to, or because it makes them feel better (usually only briefly). They may want to stop doing them, but they can't.

If the behaviors are habits, you may be able to lessen them. You can help her be aware of them and give her positive feedback for not doing them. For example, praise her when she stops herself from chewing her hair. Perhaps she might earn a prize or treat for going a day (or half day, whatever is manageable) without pulling on her eyelashes.

If this doesn't work, talk to your doctor about a referral to a mental health professional.

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