Is Picking Your Nose Bad For You?
Short answer
Picking your nose can be gross to some and even make others laugh. When it comes to your health, unless done excessively, there isn't much to worry about.
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Nose picking! Not a topic everyone is comfortable talking about. How unhealthy is it, though? The mucus that is released into our nasal cavity acts as a protective coating from the bacteria and other debris we inhale. Sometimes, however, it is nice to get all of this junk out of the way. Truth is, in the past nose picking was considered bad and even to this day it is ridiculed by society. Ironically, one study found that nearly 90% of people actually pick their nose on a regular basis. The next time you get made fun of for picking your nose, just remember they are more than likely doing it too - just in private.
Medically, there appears to be very few downsides to picking your nose. The nasal tissue is really thin and the mucus, whether runny or dry is a protective coating. Therefore, over picking can lead to nose bleeds. Another potential downside, which is really only seen in habitual nose pickers, is a small infection called vestibulitis due to germs introduced by your finger. Vestibulitis is an infection found directly after the opening of the nostrils. It is usually classified by an area of redness or inflammation and isn't very serious. Small pimples may also arise - known as folliculitis.
Possible short-term side effects
Possible long-term side effects
- vestibulitis
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inflammation
-
small pimples
-
boils (rare)
Benefits
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Kathan Natrajan
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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