She is at the fidgeting stage. Try to give her items she can fidget with. They now have shirts or sleeves with fidget items on them for them to fidget with when in this state. Or you could make a small lap blanket with buttons and zippers and other things that she can fidget with while sitting down.

Give her a squishy soft rubber ball the size of her palm. That is what I'm using because i'm doing the same thing with picking and infections. I know I'm not supposed to and then catch myself doing it!!! It is so frustrating because it isn't good for me. So I went to an educational children's toy store in town and bought the golf ball size (maybe a little smaller) squishy ball and just put it in my pocket and pull it out when I start picking.

I totally understand how this is a worry. We had this problem with my Mum. Mum was picking her face, arms and legs and we tried everything to break the habit. We were facing hospitalisation to deal with severe leg infections....It really was a case of constant dressings/bandages. Then, in sheer desperation I started taking Mum to have her nails "done." We went for a visit to have our nails painted (and Mum actually had acrylic nails put on - not really understanding what was happening) - best decision ever. Mum LOVED her pretty nails. Loved the fussing and attention and because I explained the situation - the girls at the salon made the acrylics quite thick. Mum's nails were too thick to do any serious scratching/picking. Face, arms and legs healed over time....We are 12 months down the track and Mum loves having "good nails" - friends compliment her on her nails and she tells them that she does them herself. Best thing ever! Good luck - I understand how desperate this can become.

My mom stopped doing that after I bought her the new elctronic, stuffed cat. There are toy dogs available as well. ($100 though). The cat purrs, meows and stretches when petted. She truly loves it and it keeps her company, she believes she's fostering it.

My mom did the same thing. Her doctor prescribed a lotion for her dry, itchy skin. I put it in and she feels less itchy, so is less likely to itch. Unfortunately, nurses do not fo this, so nit sure how to handle it....