Nose picking is a common habit that often prompts questions about its potential effects on nasal health and appearance. While seemingly innocuous, the act can lead to various considerations regarding the delicate structures within the nose.
Understanding Nose Anatomy
The nose is composed of a complex arrangement of tissues that define its shape and size. The upper part, or bridge, is primarily supported by bone, providing a rigid framework. The lower two-thirds, including the tip and nostrils, are predominantly formed by cartilage, a firm yet flexible connective tissue. These underlying bony and cartilaginous structures are covered by skin. Inside the nose, the delicate lining known as the mucous membrane plays a crucial role in filtering and humidifying inhaled air.
The Myth of Nose Enlargement
Contrary to popular belief, picking your nose does not permanently alter its size or cause it to grow larger. The nose’s shape is determined by its stable underlying structure of bone and cartilage, which largely maintain their form throughout adulthood. These tissues are not easily stretched or reshaped by the intermittent pressure applied during nose picking. Therefore, the act of picking cannot induce a permanent structural change that would result in a bigger nose.
While nose picking does not lead to permanent enlargement, vigorous or frequent picking might cause temporary, localized effects. Irritation or minor injury to the delicate nasal lining can result in temporary swelling, redness, or inflammation. These transient changes are due to the body’s immediate response to trauma, and they do not signify an alteration of the bone or cartilage. Once the irritation subsides, the nose typically returns to its normal size and shape.
Real Risks of Nose Picking
Although nose picking does not make the nose larger, it carries several risks due to its potential to damage the delicate nasal lining. One common consequence is nosebleeds, or epistaxis, which can occur when fingers or fingernails rupture the fragile blood vessels located close to the surface of the nasal passages. Repeated trauma to these vessels can lead to frequent bleeding episodes.
Nose picking also poses a significant risk of infection. Introducing bacteria from fingers into the nasal cavity, especially through small cuts or abrasions, can lead to various bacterial infections. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium commonly found in the nose, and nose pickers are more likely to carry it, increasing the risk of staph infections. This can manifest as nasal vestibulitis, an inflammation and infection of the hair follicles and skin at the entrance of the nostril, causing sores, crusting, and pain.
In very rare and extreme cases of aggressive, repetitive picking, damage to the nasal septum, the wall dividing the nostrils, can lead to a septal perforation, which is a hole in the septum. Beyond direct injury and infection, nose picking can also contribute to the spread of germs. Nasal mucus traps viruses and bacteria, and transferring these pathogens from the nose to fingers can then spread them to other surfaces or individuals, contributing to the transmission of respiratory illnesses.