Nose Picking: Why We Do It, If It's Bad For Us, And How To Stop

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribeIs It Dangerous for Me to Pick My Nose, and How Do I Stop?

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Kimberly Holland on March 22, 2019

Health risks
Benefits
How to stop
In children
Summary

It’s unlikely picking your nose will cause serious problems. However, those who have a weakened immune system or illness may experience infection, nasal cavity damage, or nosebleeds.

Nose picking is a curious habit. According to a study published in 1995, 91 percent of people who responded to the questionnaire reported they do it, while just 75 percent thought “everyone does it.” In short, we’re all stuffing our fingers up our schnozzes from time to time.

Why people pick their nose likely differs from person to person. Noses that are dry or overly moist may be irritating. A quick pick can relieve some discomfort.

Some people pick their nose out of boredom or a nervous habit. Allergies and sinus infections can increase the amount of mucus in the nose, too.

In rare situations, nose picking is a compulsive, repetitive behavior. This condition, called rhinotillexomania, often accompanies stress or anxiety and other habits like nail-biting or scratching. For people with this condition, nose picking can briefly ease anxiety.

But most people who pick their nose, including those who do it in the car, do so out of habit, not compulsion.

Nose picking may not be socially acceptable, but it’s rarely dangerous.

Can nose picking cause damage?

Nose picking is a bit like pimple popping, scab scratching, or ear cleaning with cotton swabs. You know you shouldn’t, but sometimes you can’t help yourself.

Picking your nose is unlikely to cause you any serious problems. Still, these potential issues are especially problematic for people who are ill or have a weaker immune system:

Infection. Fingernails can leave tiny cuts in your nasal tissue. Potentially dangerous bacteria can find their ways into these openings and cause infections. A study published in 2006 found that people who pick their nose are more likely to carry Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that’s responsible for what could become a serious infection.
Spreading illnesses. Mucus catches dust, bacteria, viruses, and dust that you breathe in every day. You could share those germs if you pick your nose. One study found that nose pickers may spread the bacterium that’s responsible for a large amount of pneumonia.
Nasal cavity damage. Frequent or repetitive picking can damage your nasal cavity. One study found that people with compulsive nose picking (rhinotillexomania) may experience inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissue. Over time, this may narrow the nostril openings.
Nosebleeds. Scratching and digging in your nose may break or rupture delicate blood vessels. This can lead to bleeding.
Sores. Nasal vestibulitis is inflammation at the opening and front part of your nasal cavity. It’s commonly caused by minor infection with Staphylococcus. This condition can cause sores that can develop painful scabs. Likewise, when you pick your nose, you may pluck nose hairs out of their follicles. Small pimples or boils can form in those follicles.
Septum damage. The septum is a portion of bone and cartilage that divides the left and right nostrils. Regular nose picking may damage the septum and even cause a hole.

Are there benefits to nose picking?

Sure, picking your nose might prevent a moment of embarrassment when a friend has to let you know “there’s a bat in the cave.” Beyond that, there are no major benefits to picking your nose — and more potential risks in comparison to the prospect of having a booger-free sniffer.

How to stop picking your nose

Picking your nose may be a habit you may wish to stop, or at least get a handle on so you don’t mindlessly wander to your snout in public.

The key to learning to stop is finding alternatives to the reasons you pick your nose. These techniques might help:

Saline spray

If dry air leads to dry nasal passages, a quick spritz with saline spray may help restore moisture and prevent dry snot and boogers. A humidifier can increase the natural moisture in a room, too.

Saline rinse

A saline nasal wash is a sanitary way to clean your nasal passages and sinus cavities.

A rinse may be especially effective during times when seasonal allergies are most problematic. The rinse will wash out any pollen or allergens that might irritate your nasal passages and cause them to create excess mucus.

Treat the underlying cause of nose mucus

If you think you have more boogers to pick than normal, you may need to first diagnose the problem that’s causing your crusty nose.

Dusty environments or bothersome allergens can increase mucus production. Low humidity causes dry sinuses. Smoke may do that, too, and household allergens like dust and dander can irritate your nose.

Once you identify the underlying issue, work to reduce or eliminate it so you can better control your nose’s mucus production. In turn, that may cut down on the irritation or sensitivity — and the booger production — that leads you to dig more frequently.

Use a memory device to stop nose picking

Jog your memory and stop your picking before it starts. An adhesive bandage is an inexpensive, easy option.

Wrap the end of your dominant picking finger in a bandage. Then, when your finger is drawn to your nose, the awkward shape of the bandage will remind you to not pick. Keep the bandage in place as long as you need to retrain your behavior.

Find an alternative stress reliever

People with chronic stress or anxiety may find that nose picking provides a temporary moment of relief. It’s safer for you, your nose, and your anxiety if you find a more productive stress reliever, however.

Consider listening to soothing music when your anxiety level starts to climb. Practice deep breathing by inhaling slowly and counting to 10, then exhaling slowly and counting down to zero.

If you need to keep your hands busy, look for a stress ball or handheld game that requires you to occupy your hands.

If none of these activities work, talk with a mental health care provider about ways to manage the anxiety that causes the picking in the first place.

How to teach children to stop picking their nose

Children are notorious for pecking at their nostrils. Often, it’s because mucus or boogers in their noses are irritating.

At a young age, they may not know nose picking isn’t a particularly hygienic activity, so they head right in with their finger. Still, in other cases, nose picking is simply an activity for curious or bored children.

It’s rarely a problem, but you can and should help your children stop picking their nose.

Call attention to the behavior. Children who pick their nose out of habit or boredom may not even realize their pointer finger is spelunking their nasal cavity. Bring their attention to it immediately, but try not to alarm them with a panicked response.
Present an immediate alternative. If tissues are around, hand them one and suggest they use it instead. Then, immediately lead them to the restroom to wash their hands.
Explain the no-pick policy. While you’re washing hands, give your kids a quick rundown of the reasons why fingers don’t belong in their noses. Explain that they could make themselves or others sick.
Offer options for the future. If your child says they were picking their nose because it hurt, this may be a sign they have a sinus infection or allergy. If the irritation continues, make an appointment to see a doctor. Try to reinforce that sometimes it’s necessary to blow your nose or remove boogers, but they should try to do this in private and wash their hands afterward.
Repeat. The lesson may not stick the first time. Keep reminding your children of the reasons to not pick their noses, while offering better alternatives. Eventually, the behaviors will change.

Takeaway

Despite possible risks, the majority of people pick their nose from time to time. While it’s often OK, it’s not entirely without risk. If your picking habit isn’t causing your nose damage or hasn’t become a compulsive, repetitive behavior, you might be able to pick safely.

If, however, you find that you pick your nose a lot and can’t make yourself stop, see a doctor. They can help you find ways to manage the behavior and prevent possible side effects, including infections and tissue damage.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Conelea CA, et al. (2013). Habit reversal therapy for body-focused repetitive behaviors in Williams syndrome: A case study. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10882-013-9335-3
Connor V, et al. (2018). Hands are vehicles for transmission of streptococcus pneumoniae in novel controlled human infection study. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00599-2018
Gupta A, et al. (2018). Chronic rhinotillexomania leading to unilateral external nare stenosis. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.7759%2Fcureus.3172
Hands are vehicles for transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae. (2018).https://www.infectiousdiseaseadvisor.com/home/topics/prevention/hands-are-vehicles-for-transmission-of-streptococcus-pneumoniae
Jefferson JW, et al. (1995). Rhinotillexomania: Psychiatric disorder or habit?https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7852253
Rather YH, et al. (2011). ADHD presenting as recurrent epistaxis: A case report. DOI:https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F1753-2000-5-13
Wertheim HFL, et al. (2016). Nose picking and nasal carriage of staphylococcus aureus. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/506401

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.O. — Written by Kimberly Holland on March 22, 2019

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media