The act of inserting a finger into the nasal cavity to remove dried secretions is formally known as rhinotillexis. This behavior is surprisingly common, with surveys suggesting a large percentage of adults admit to the habit, despite it being socially unacceptable. While it may seem like a harmless activity, chronic nose picking carries specific health risks and can signal underlying issues. Understanding the mechanisms behind this behavior is the first step toward adopting effective strategies to stop the habit.
Underlying Reasons for the Habit
The urge to pick the nose often stems from both physical irritation and psychological factors. Physical triggers like dry nasal passages, allergies, or an upper respiratory infection increase the production of mucus and create bothersome crusting, prompting the natural impulse to clear the obstruction and find relief.
The behavior can also develop as a nervous habit or a way to cope with stress and anxiety. Nose picking provides a temporary moment of self-soothing or distraction, especially during periods of boredom or deep concentration. When the habit becomes compulsive and difficult to control, it may be classified as rhinotillexomania, a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) linked to anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
Health Implications of Nose Picking
The nasal cavity contains delicate mucosal lining and blood vessels easily damaged by mechanical trauma from a finger. Repeated picking can lead to inflammation, irritation, and frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis). Chronic trauma to the nasal septum, the cartilage dividing the nostrils, carries a risk of perforation (a hole in the septum).
Beyond physical damage, nose picking significantly increases the risk of bacterial colonization and infection. Studies show an association between the habit and the increased presence of Staphylococcus aureus in the nose. This bacterium is a common cause of skin and soft tissue infections, and its nasal carriage is a risk factor for more serious infections, including Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Introducing bacteria from the fingers into the nose and spreading nasal bacteria to other surfaces creates a cycle of pathogen transmission.
Practical Strategies for Breaking the Cycle
Addressing the underlying physical irritation is a foundational step in controlling the habit. Using a sterile saline spray or gel helps keep the nasal passages moist, reducing dryness and the formation of irritating crusts. A humidifier in the bedroom or main living area can also reduce nasal dryness, especially during winter or in arid climates. When the nose needs clearing, always use a soft tissue and blow gently, rather than resorting to a finger.
For those struggling with the unconscious or compulsive nature of the habit, Habit Reversal Training (HRT) offers a structured approach. HRT begins with awareness training, where the individual learns to identify the specific situations or sensations that trigger the picking urge. This awareness allows for the implementation of a “competing response,” an action physically incompatible with picking.
A competing response involves actively occupying the hands when the urge arises, such as clenching a fist, holding a stress ball, or drumming fingers on a desk. The response should be held for at least one minute or until the urge subsides, effectively interrupting the habitual motor pattern. Barrier methods, like wearing a small bandage on the finger or gloves at certain times, can also serve as stimulus control, making the behavior physically more difficult.
Parents assisting children can employ distraction and redirection techniques, replacing the habit with an activity that keeps the hands busy. Providing non-judgmental, gentle reminders and praising the use of the competing response are important components of encouraging long-term change. For habits that cause significant distress or physical harm, seeking guidance from a therapist specializing in BFRBs is recommended.