It's one of those habits that most people consider disgusting, but that we've done mechanically, without being fully conscious. Picking your nose has a near-universal profile, and some studies indicate that the average person sticks a finger up their nose four times a day. However, according to otorhinolaryngologist Erich Voigt of New York University, it's not a good idea since all we accomplish is providing an ideal home for very resistant bacteria.
I won't deny it: as a kid I picked my nose “a lot”, which caused my mother to respond with that speed and precision that only mothers can develop. Picking your nose is a subject of mockery almost everywhere, and even more so if someone is caught “moving on to the next phase”, which is eating boogers (the official term is mucophagy).
Now, putting a finger in your nose is such a common act that psychology and medicine experts have studied its different aspects for decades, including potential benefits and risks. The scale definitely leans toward the risks, despite an article published in 2005 that attributes to mucophagy the ability to strengthen our immune system. The latest suggestion to “break the habit” comes from Dr. Erich Voigt, an expert otorhinolaryngologist at New York University.
What exactly is the problem?
Each time our finger enters the nasal cavity, there's a risk of causing micro-abrasions that inevitably bleed, perhaps not in large amounts, but enough to feed the germs that live “at the entrance” of our nose. One of the microbes that has shown a preference for nose pickers is Staphylococcus aureus, to which all sorts of ailments are attributed, from rhinosinusitis and respiratory infections to food poisoning and hospital-acquired infections.
Needless to say, picking your nose is not something critical in a healthy person, since the vast majority do it without adverse consequences. The problem is when that person has a weak immune system, and the last thing they need is to present a special dinner to a battalion of bacteria in their nose. The recommendation is made, but we know it's not easy. Sometimes, what gets stuck in the nose seems as hard as concrete, and the discomfort can be great for many people.
Personally, a doctor suggested to my mother that she put some saline drops on me (instead of continuing to practice karate with my head) because the feeling of dryness in the nose is very annoying among children. Come on, let's talk about boogers! Comments are open.
