Why Picking Your Nose Is Not Only Indecent But Can Also Be Harmful

We pick our nose because we’re bored, or nervous, or we have allergies, or for some, it becomes a habit. Whether you want to admit it or not, most of us have picked our nose at least once. Thankfully, most of us also know that this habit is an indecent thing to do in public, so we don’t have to look at people picking their nose everywhere we go! However, that’s not the only bad thing about this habit, it can actually be harmful to us.

Bright Side is a stickler for good manners, but we would also like to bring to your attention to an even more important reason why we should stop picking our noses.

1. It can cause infection.

Your fingernails, especially if they are longer or if you are rough with your nose-picking, can cut the tissue in your nose, which can cause bacteria to collect there and cause infections. According to this study, people who pick, poke, or rub their noses risk spreading pneumonia-causing bacteria. It spreads no matter if it is dry or wet, and good hand hygiene is crucial if we want to protect ourselves and others from this.

2. It can damage the nasal cavity.

If you pick your nose very frequently and for long periods of time, you risk damaging your nasal tissue. This study found that people who pick their noses a lot may suffer from inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissue, which could eventually narrow the nostril openings.

3. It can lead to illnesses.

The mucus in your nose catches all kinds of bacteria and viruses you breathe in, and when you pick your nose you get them all over your hands. Getting all those germs on your hands leads to spreading the bacteria from your nose and hands onto surfaces in your environment. According to this study, nose-pickers can spread the bacterium that causes pneumonia.

4. It can cause nosebleeds.

Picking your nose could rupture blood vessels inside your nose and cause you to have a nosebleed.

5. It can cause sores.

Picking your nose can cause nasal vestibulitis, which can develop painful scabs. Not only that, but when you pick your nose you could pluck little nose hairs out of their follicles, and small pimples can form in them.

6. It can cause septum damage.

The septum is the barrier between the 2 nostrils, dividing them. Picking your nose often may damage the septum and even cause a hole in it, also known as a perforated septum.

Have you ever developed the habit of nose-picking? If so, how did you beat it? What tips would you share with people who might still struggle with this habit?