An ear, nose and throat specialist has warned that picking your nose could actually make it bigger. Dr Ryan Vaughn, from Exhale Sinus, shared the claim in a TikTok video, suggesting that the habit can reshape nasal cartilage over time.
Dr Vaughn explained: "If you actually pick your nose you can start to push your septal cartilage over and you can start to reshape the lower lateral cartilages. You won't move the bone, but you'll actually create more space, at least on one side."
The video sparked debate among viewers, with many expressing scepticism. One commenter said: "There's no evidence that picking your nose makes it bigger. Normal finger pressure doesn't reshape nasal cartilage." Another added that severe, chronic picking could potentially stretch nostrils or damage tissue, but is more likely to cause infections or nosebleeds.
Healthline notes that while picking your nose is unlikely to cause serious problems, it can lead to infections from fingernail cuts and nosebleeds. Frequent picking may also damage the nasal cavity, causing inflammation and narrowing of the nostril openings, as well as potential damage to the septum.
