21/01/2026
Pica in Children – What Parents Should Know
Pica is a condition in which a child repeatedly eats non-food items such as soil, chalk, clay, paper, ice, paint chips, or soap for more than one month.
It is common in toddlers and preschool children, but persistent pica is not normal and needs medical attention.
Common Causes of Pica
✔ Iron deficiency anemia – the most common cause
✔ Zinc deficiency
✔ Malnutrition
✔ Developmental disorders (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability)
✔ Psychological stress or neglect
✔ Poor supervision / easy access to soil or chemicals
✔ Cultural practices (geophagia) in some communities
Why Pica is Dangerous
⚠️ Intestinal blockage
⚠️ Lead poisoning (from paint or soil)
⚠️ Worm infestation
⚠️ Severe anemia
⚠️ Infections and diarrhea
⚠️ Dental injury
Treatment & Management of Pica
✅ Medical evaluation (Hb level, iron studies, stool exam, lead level if needed)
✅ Treat iron and zinc deficiency (iron therapy as per weight and guidelines)
✅ Improve diet – iron-rich foods (meat, lentils, beans, eggs, green vegetables)
✅ Deworming if indicated
✅ Behavioral therapy & parental supervision
✅ Manage underlying developmental or psychological conditions
✅ Keep harmful substances out of child’s reach
👉 Most children improve once nutritional deficiencies are corrected.
When to See a Doctor?
Pica lasting more than 4 weeks
Child eating soil, paint, or stones
Poor growth or pallor
Recurrent abdominal pain or vomiting
Early diagnosis and proper treatment can completely cure pica in most children.