Nose Picking: Dangers and First Aid

Most people pick their noses, but excessive digging can cause severe bleeding, prompting Jonathan from the Institute of Human Anatomy to investigate the vulnerability of certain nasal regions.

The video explores the internal structure of the human nose to reveal exactly what is being removed and why certain areas are particularly vulnerable to injury during this common habit.

These conchae are essential for warming and humidifying inhaled air before it reaches the lungs, as they are covered in highly vascularized mucous membranes.

The nasal septum contains a delicate, highly vascularized mucous membrane that is particularly prone to damage, especially in an area known as Kiesselbach's area, also called Little's area.

This region, located at the anterior nasal septum, is a critical site where several arterial branches from both the internal and external carotid arteries converge, making its superficial vessels highly susceptible to rupture from fingernails during nose picking.

Nosebleeds caused by picking are typically categorized as anterior epistaxis and generally present little danger.

These bleeds originate from the front of the nasal cavity, specifically in the Kiesselbach area of the anterior nasal septum, where superficial blood vessels are easily damaged by dry air, irritation, or finger-picking, making them common but typically easy to control.

Anterior epistaxis commonly occurs in the front of the nasal cavity, primarily at the Kiesselbach area due to its superficial blood vessels.

These bleeds are frequently triggered by external factors such as dry air, forceful nose blowing, and finger scratching.

Although the oxygen-rich blood can make these bleeds appear dramatic, they are typically minor and can be easily managed.

High blood pressure and other systemic issues are frequent triggers for posterior nosebleeds, which occur deep in the cavity and rarely stem from physical trauma.

These bleeds originate further back in the nasal cavity and can be more difficult to control, particularly in individuals with high blood pressure, making them more common in older age and among those taking certain medications.

Bleeding originating from the posterior nasal cavity is harder to control because manual compression is ineffective and the source is difficult to reach, as the Institute of Human Anatomy asserts.

Unlike anterior bleeds, manual compression of the nose is ineffective, and blood may flow into the nasopharynx and down the throat, necessitating professional medical attention for persistent or heavy bleeding.

To effectively stop a nosebleed, Jonathan recommends first gently blowing out any blood and clots.

Next, sit upright and lean slightly forward to prevent blood from flowing down the throat, then firmly pinch the soft part of the nostrils against the nasal septum for 10 to 15 minutes without releasing pressure to check for progress.

If necessary, nasal decongestants like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can be used to help constrict blood vessels.

Medical attention is necessary if a nosebleed is particularly heavy or does not stop despite proper first-aid measures.

Should blood flow down the back of the throat or symptoms like weakness occur, the patient requires immediate medical intervention for specialized procedures such as nasal packing.

While mucus naturally traps debris, dried accumulation can obstruct airflow or irritate the delicate tissue of the nasal passage.

Removing these obstructions is acceptable if done safely, but aggressive picking with fingernails can cause trauma, damage the nasal septum, and lead to recurrent nosebleeds and crusting.