IF YOU PICK YOUR NOSE, YOU SHOULD PROBABLY STOP NOW. THIS IS HOW DANGEROUS IT CAN BE.
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.
