A common habit many are guilty of could be subtly changing the shape of your face, according to a medical expert. An ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist has issued a surprising warning that picking your nose can actually make it bigger over time.
The Medical Explanation Behind the Claim
Dr Ryan Vaughn, an ENT specialist, made the claim in a video posted by the health advice group Exhale Sinus on TikTok on 29 December 2025. He explained that the physical act of inserting a finger into the nostril applies pressure to the internal structures. "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," Dr Vaughn stated.
He clarified that while the bone of the nose remains unaffected, the habit can "create more space, at least on one side" by displacing the flexible cartilage. This, in theory, could lead to a noticeable asymmetry or enlargement of the nostrils.
Public Scepticism and Alternative Risks
The video sparked considerable debate online, with many commenters expressing strong doubt. One user countered, "I’ve been pickin my nose for 30 years. This ain’t true," while another argued there was no evidence for the claim, stating normal finger pressure cannot reshape nasal cartilage.
Medical resource Healthline suggests that while serious problems from nose picking are unlikely, the practice is not without risk. Potential issues include:
- Infections from tiny cuts caused by fingernails.
- Frequent nosebleeds.
- Damage and inflammation to the nasal cavity, which may narrow the nostril openings over time.
- Septum damage, affecting the partition between nostrils.
Furthermore, studies indicate nose pickers can spread germs, with one linking the habit to the transmission of pneumonia.
A Habit Hard to Break
Despite the warnings, the social media reaction highlighted how ingrained the habit is. One resigned user commented, "That sucks but I’m not gonna stop picking my nose." Another offered a tongue-in-cheek solution to maintain symmetry: "Joke's on you, I pick both nostrils evenly."
While the debate on nasal enlargement continues, health professionals agree that chronic, aggressive picking poses clear hygiene and health dangers, making it a habit best avoided.
