FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — According to a new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, nail biting and thumb sucking could result in children being less likely to suffer from certain allergies later in life.
Researchers say it appears to be another example of what’s referred to as the hygiene hypothesis: excessive cleanliness may increase a child’s risk of allergies.
While encouraging thumb sucking or nail biting isn’t a recommendation, early exposure to grass and dirt could benefit the immune system.
