Youâve been there before. Youâre minding your own business and then you notice that your thumb is in your nose.Â
Is the urge to pick your nose a serious problem? Itâs called Chronic Rhinotillexomania. Nose picking is a natural reaction to dryness or itching in the nose. However, it can also be a sign that you have a cold or a sinus infection.Â
Nose picking or the act of extracting nasal mucus with oneâs finger seems like a repetitive behaviour and a typical, harmless choice of diversion, but consequences can range from mild to severe infection.
Nose-picking is gross and awkward, but it is still a common pastime. The excessive mucus production and accumulation can cause crusting around the nostril where the large crust may block breathing and eject a bad smell.
In a survey, 1,214 individuals were asked why they nose pick. Of those responding, 10 percent answered that they did so because there may be something in the nose that they felt was not comfortable.
A small portion of individuals, 8 percent, responded that they nose-pick for fun. However, only 9 percent of individuals said that they were unaware as to why they were nose-picking when they do it.Â
Table of Contents
What Is In My Nose?
If youâre a nose-picker, you might want to stop.
A study published in the journal âAnnals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngologyâ found that nose pickers are more likely to develop a bacterial infection in the nose, which can lead to the development of sinusitis.Â
The researchers found that people who clean out their noses on a daily basis are far more likely to experience a microbial invasion.
These infections commonly occur in the sinuses, which are located behind the bridge of the nose. They can cause a person to feel ill, including a fever, runny nose, and cough.
It is a common misconception that all the stuff inside your nose is just mucus.
In fact, there are many different types of bacteria living there. One of the most common is Staphylococcus aureus, which can lead to a nasty infection and nosebleeding and scabbing consequently.Â
A nose-picking infection can occur when someone sticks their fingers in there and then passes it to the skin around the nose.
There are minor infections with Staphylococcus aureus that are usually cleared up with treatment.
This can cause rashes and a nasal staph infection. The golden staph transmission to wounds is a skin-to-skin contamination that might make the wound larger and deeper.
The term Nasal Vestibulitis and nasal folliculitis is a rare kind of bacteria that blocks the nostril openings and cause infection in the nasal passages.
Nose picking may lead to the inflammation of the nasal vest, painful nose scabbing, frequent nosebleeds or epistaxis and recurring infections.
Technically Nose-Picking is Normal
Nose-picking is a common activity that many people partake in. It is a natural reflex that helps to clear out the nasal passage.
In a study, it was found that people pick their noses an average of 4 times a day. This is an activity that is completely normal and doesnât need to feel like itâs something to be ashamed of.Â
Itâs a way for your nose to heal, by removing crusts and other irritants. Itâs a way for your nose to get rid of all the gunk thatâs been accumulating in there.
Itâs an entirely natural way to help your nose heal. And, while itâs not that pleasant to do, it is certainly better than doing nothing and leaving your crusty nose to heal on its own.
But picking too much can lead to have an infection.
How Picking Nose too much Can Lead to Infections?
Nose-picking is a common behaviour in adults, children, and even animals. Itâs usually a harmless habit that may even be a sign of boredom or anxiety.
But, if you pick your nose too much, you may end up with an infection.Â
Nose picking is a common nasal mining habit that many people indulge in.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics shows that, in the long term, frequent nasal picking could also lead to damage to your nasal cavity and nasal bone erosion which can potentially leave you with a crooked nose.Â
Bone erosion, also called rhinitis, often occurs in young children and typically not in adults over age 40.
A direct contact with the respiratory droplets may occur the transmission of Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
Bacteria is the common cause of pneumonia and Children are more frequently get affected by this type of bacteria in their nose and throat.
It overgrows and replaces the normal bacteria and creates inflammation inside the nasal passage which forces our hand to pick the nose.
Tips to Stop Picking Your Nose
If youâre one of the many people who find themselves picking their noses on a regular basis, consider these tips to help you stop.
- Â Keep your hands away from your face.Â
- Try to find something else to do with your hands.Â
- Pick a spot on the wall and stare at it.Â
- Keep your nails trimmed.Â
- Rub your hands together.Â
- Rock back and forth on your chair.
- Clench your hands into a fist and then release.Â
- Stomp your feet on the floor.
- Scratch your head.Â
- Suck on a mint.
There are many ways to stop picking your nose. One way is to stop picking your nose by using a nasal spray.
Nasal sprays are nasal decongestants that are used to treat sinus infections and other problems.
Nasal Health Best Practices
Nasal health is important for everyone, but itâs especially important for people who suffer from allergies.
A healthy nose can help ward off allergy symptoms, so itâs important to keep it clean.
The best way to keep your nose clean is to use a saline nasal rinse. Saline rinses will help loosen and remove excess mucus, and they wonât sting.
People who have allergies should avoid using a humidifier in their bedroom because it can cause their allergies to worsen.
A humidifier is a device that releases water vapour into the air and it is often used in the winter to provide relief from the dry air that is produced by heating systems.
It also can be used in the summer, though, to help reduce allergy-related symptoms. These symptoms include a stuffy nose and throat and chapped lips.
Nasal health best practices are important for every family. The best way to maintain nasal health is to practice good hygiene.
This includes frequent hand washing, using a tissue to blow your nose, and using a humidifier.
You should also avoid smoking, secondhand smoke, and breathing in pollutants. that could irritate your nasal passages.Â
Nasal health is important for the respiratory system and also the immune system.
Nasal congestion is a common symptom of a cold or sinusitis.
Some ways to keep your nasal passages clear are to use a saline nasal rinse, use a humidifier, and avoid smoking.Â