A video posted by a medical expert on TikTok has sparked a heated debate by making a surprising claim about a widespread but socially frowned-upon habit. The expert suggests that chronic nose picking can physically enlarge the size of your nose.
The Medical Claim Behind the Viral Video
The advice was shared by Exhale Sinus, a provider of guidance on sinus and sleep issues. In the clip, ENT specialist Dr Ryan Vaughn explains the potential physical consequences of the habit. He states that inserting a finger into the nostril can apply pressure to the nasal structure.
Dr Vaughn clarifies that while the nasal bone cannot be moved, the action can push the septal cartilage and reshape the lower lateral cartilages. This process, he claims, can create more space inside the nose, effectively making it appear or become larger on the side that is frequently picked.
Public Scepticism and Alternative Views
The reaction to the video on social media was sharply divided. Many commenters expressed strong doubt about the validity of the doctor's assertion. One user flatly stated, "There’s no evidence that picking your nose makes it bigger." They argued that normal finger pressure is insufficient to reshape nasal cartilage, and that at worst, aggressive picking might cause irritation or injury, not growth.
Another offered a more nuanced view, writing: "No, picking your nose doesn't inherently make it bigger like a muscle... However, severe, chronic picking could potentially stretch nostrils or damage tissue over time." This commenter highlighted that the primary risks are more likely to be infections, nosebleeds, or septum damage, with genetics being the main factor determining nose size. A long-term practitioner of the habit simply commented, "I’ve been pickin my nose for 30 years. This ain’t true."
Established Health Risks of Nose Picking
While the debate about nasal enlargement continues, established medical sources like Healthline confirm other, more documented risks associated with rhinotillexis (the medical term for nose picking).
The habit can introduce bacteria and cause infections through tiny cuts made by fingernails, and it is a common cause of nosebleeds. Research has indicated that nose pickers can spread germs to others, with one study linking the practice to the transmission of pneumonia.
Healthline also notes that frequent or repetitive picking can damage the nasal cavity, leading to inflammation and swelling. Over an extended period, this may narrow the nostril openings. Furthermore, it can harm the septum—the wall of bone and cartilage separating the nostrils.
Amidst the serious warnings, one TikTok user offered a tongue-in-cheek solution to the alleged asymmetry problem, joking: "Joke's on you, I pick both nostrils evenly." The video, posted on 29 December 2025, continues to generate discussion, highlighting the public's enduring fascination with and scepticism towards viral health advice.
