Picking your nose can lead to serious damage to the nasal mucosa, causing infections that spread to the sinuses and result in abscesses. If left untreated, it can even become life-threatening. It took weeks of painful treatment for the condition to improve.
Many people have the habit of picking their noses without realizing the potential severe consequences.
1. How does “runny nose” form?
The nasal mucosa secretes mucus to moisturize the air and trap dust, bacteria, and other particles. When these substances accumulate and dry up, they form “runny nose.” The feeling of blockage and itchiness often leads people to unconsciously pick their noses for relief.
Reasons for nose-picking include:
Physiological: Dry nasal mucosa can be irritating, leading people to pick their noses to reduce the itch.
Psychological: It can be an unconscious habit, similar to biting your nails when anxious or worried.
Pathological: Conditions like rhinitis or sinusitis can cause increased nose picking to relieve congestion and itchiness.
2. Nose Picking – An Open Invitation for Bacteria
Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces harboring bacteria, such as phones, doorknobs, and keyboards. When we use our hands to pick our noses, bacteria find their way into the delicate and vulnerable nasal mucosa. This can lead to nasal infections, sinusitis, and even dangerous brain infections.
3. Four Consequences of Nose Picking:
– Nasal Mucosa Damage:
The nasal mucosa is rich in small blood vessels that can easily rupture and bleed if repeatedly scratched and damaged. Prolonged damage can weaken the nose’s defense mechanism, making it more susceptible to infections.
– Rhinitis and Sinusitis:
Bacteria from the hands can enter through wounds, causing infections. Symptoms include nasal congestion, purulent discharge, headaches, fever, and more.
– Vestibulitis:
Repeated stimulation of the nasal vestibule can lead to redness, pain, and even ulceration and scab formation, making treatment challenging.
– Risk of Intracranial Infections:
The blood vessels in the nose communicate with those in the brain. Nasal infections can spread to the brain, causing life-threatening conditions such as meningitis and brain abscesses.
If you experience nasal itchiness, use saline solution to gently clean your nose. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in saline to remove any mucus instead of using your fingers. Kick the nose-picking habit today to protect your health.
