Nose picking: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Nose picking
| image          = [[File:Niña_pemón_-_La_Gran_Sabana_-_Estado_Bolívar_(2).JPG|250px]]
| alt            = A child picking her nose
| caption        = A child engaging in nose picking
| field          = [[Otorhinolaryngology]]
| synonyms        = Rhinotillexis
| symptoms        = [[Nasal congestion]], [[epistaxis]]
| complications  = [[Nasal septum]] perforation, [[infection]]
| onset          = Childhood
| duration        = Variable
| types          = Habitual, compulsive
| causes          = [[Boredom]], [[anxiety]], [[habit]]
| risks          = [[Nasal infection]], [[nosebleeds]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical observation
| differential    = [[Obsessive-compulsive disorder]], [[allergic rhinitis]]
| prevention      = Behavioral modification
| treatment      = [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[habit reversal training]]
| prognosis      = Generally benign
| frequency      = Common
}}
'''Nose picking''' is the act of extracting nasal mucus with one's finger (rhinotillexis) and may include the subsequent ingestion of the extracted mucus (mucophagy). This action is often considered a taboo in most cultures and societies.
'''Nose picking''' is the act of extracting nasal mucus with one's finger (rhinotillexis) and may include the subsequent ingestion of the extracted mucus (mucophagy). This action is often considered a taboo in most cultures and societies.
== Health effects ==
== Health effects ==
Nose picking can potentially lead to a number of health complications. The nose is a breeding ground for bacteria, and frequent nose picking can lead to the spread of these bacteria. This can result in [[infection]]s, [[nosebleeds]], and other health issues. In severe cases, excessive nose picking can cause damage to the nasal cavity and [[septum]].
Nose picking can potentially lead to a number of health complications. The nose is a breeding ground for bacteria, and frequent nose picking can lead to the spread of these bacteria. This can result in [[infection]]s, [[nosebleeds]], and other health issues. In severe cases, excessive nose picking can cause damage to the nasal cavity and [[septum]].
== Social implications ==
== Social implications ==
In many societies, nose picking is considered impolite and is often stigmatized. It is generally considered a private activity and is often discouraged in public settings. However, it is a common habit among children and adults alike.
In many societies, nose picking is considered impolite and is often stigmatized. It is generally considered a private activity and is often discouraged in public settings. However, it is a common habit among children and adults alike.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
Treatment for compulsive nose picking often involves behavioral therapy. This can include habit reversal training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other forms of [[psychotherapy]]. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the compulsion.
Treatment for compulsive nose picking often involves behavioral therapy. This can include habit reversal training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other forms of [[psychotherapy]]. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the compulsion.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Body-focused repetitive behavior]]
* [[Body-focused repetitive behavior]]
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* [[Nasal cycle]]
* [[Nasal cycle]]
* [[Rhinotillexomania]]
* [[Rhinotillexomania]]
[[Category:Body-focused repetitive behavior]]
[[Category:Body-focused repetitive behavior]]
[[Category:Compulsive behavior]]
[[Category:Compulsive behavior]]
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[[Category:Hygiene]]
[[Category:Hygiene]]
[[Category:Nose]]
[[Category:Nose]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}
{{dictionary-stub1}}
<gallery>
File:Niña_pemón_-_La_Gran_Sabana_-_Estado_Bolívar_(2).JPG
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 22:13, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Nose picking
Synonyms Rhinotillexis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Nasal congestion, epistaxis
Complications Nasal septum perforation, infection
Onset Childhood
Duration Variable
Types Habitual, compulsive
Causes Boredom, anxiety, habit
Risks Nasal infection, nosebleeds
Diagnosis Clinical observation
Differential diagnosis Obsessive-compulsive disorder, allergic rhinitis
Prevention Behavioral modification
Treatment Cognitive behavioral therapy, habit reversal training
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally benign
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Nose picking is the act of extracting nasal mucus with one's finger (rhinotillexis) and may include the subsequent ingestion of the extracted mucus (mucophagy). This action is often considered a taboo in most cultures and societies.

Health effects[edit]

Nose picking can potentially lead to a number of health complications. The nose is a breeding ground for bacteria, and frequent nose picking can lead to the spread of these bacteria. This can result in infections, nosebleeds, and other health issues. In severe cases, excessive nose picking can cause damage to the nasal cavity and septum.

Social implications[edit]

In many societies, nose picking is considered impolite and is often stigmatized. It is generally considered a private activity and is often discouraged in public settings. However, it is a common habit among children and adults alike.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for compulsive nose picking often involves behavioral therapy. This can include habit reversal training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and other forms of psychotherapy. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage the compulsion.

See also[edit]

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