Hi,
I apologize if this sounds like a silly question. I am serious in asking it, would really like to know the answer, but can find no other expert who answers questions specifically about the nose.

For many years I have picked my nose with a cotton hanky. I eat spicy food and my nose tends to run while eating. I also have to blow my nose every time I wash my face or even just splash water on my eyes.

So I find that just blowing my nose isn’t enough. It still feels as if there are still things inside the nose, which is why I pick them out with a hanky.

Also if I DON’T pick them out, they tend to harden inside the nose and then its more painful to pick them out when dry.

Now my question is: is what I am doing harmful? Could it cause any damage to the nose in the long term? Some time ago I found a very little blood on the hanky whenever I picked, so I did it less for some time. That kind of bleeding has stopped but it made me wonder if there might be some long term harm to picking my nose with a hanky at least three times a day or more, which is what I do.

On the other hand I can't think it can be good either to let the stuff remain in the nose. It is irritating and is harder to pick out when dry.

Thank you very much for your time.

Besides don't eat at a table near me and do it I think it is not a real a medical issue.

Have you been to the doctor to check for nasal infections/ also if you feel there is something there that will not come out, there is always chance of poloyps ( spelling?) which can be serious over time.

I suppose that if someone picked their nose too much, there would be the possibility of the nostrils becoming enlarged because of being stretched. I have a friend who had complained about that happening to him.

Having a runny nose while eating was addressed on the following link on AMHD. https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-...ing-79734.html Answers there would seem that it would be good to see a doctor, as has been suggested above, because there could be something more serious going on besides just food or certain foods causing the nose to run.

I don't think you'll do yourself any real harm as long as you use a clean hanky. You may want to ask your doctor about some type of steroid or over-the-counter nasal spray that could cut back back on congestion, thereby making it less necessary for you to pick. You may also want to consult with an allergist. It's possible you could benefit from shots.

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crossword agrees: Thanks, you told me things I didn't know.

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Thanks! You are welcome for the help!