Nose-picking 87633 226017740 2008-07-16T13:38:10Z 148.106.2.6 [[Image:Nose picking in progress.jpg|thumb|200px|Nose-picking in progress]] '''Nose-picking''', or '''rhinotillexis''' ([[Greek language|Greek]], ''rhino'' "nose" + ''tillexis'' "habit of picking"), is the act of extracting [[nasal mucus|mucus]] and/or [[foreign bodies]] from the [[nose]], or adjusting the position of objects in the nose, like jewelry, with a [[finger]] or other object. This is an extremely common habit, with some surveys indicating that it is almost universal, with people picking their nose an average of about four times a day. <ref name=Andrade>{{cite journal |author=Andrade C, Srihari BS |title=A preliminary survey of rhinotillexomania in an adolescent sample |journal=The Journal of clinical psychiatry |volume=62 |issue=6 |pages=426–31 |year=2001 |pmid=11465519}}</ref> The [[Mucous membrane|mucous membranes]] constantly produce wet mucus that is exposed to the air. Once dried, the mucus typically causes a sensation of irritation that leads to the compulsion to dislodge the [[itch]] via rhinotillexis. Extreme nose picking resulting in severe nasal trauma is termed '''rhinotillexomania''' ([[etymology]]: [[Greek language|Greek]], ''rhino'' "nose" + ''tillexis'' "habit of picking" + [[mania]]) and may be caused by [[Obsessive Compulsive Disorder]] or [[Body Dysmorphic Disorder]].<ref>Fontenelle, L.F., Mendlowicz, M.V., Mussi, T.C., Marques, C. & Versiani, M., 2002. "The man with the purple nostrils: a case of rhinotrichotillomania secondary to body dysmorphic disorder." [[Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica]], volume 106, issue 6, Page 464-466,[http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1034/j.1600-0447.2002.01463.x] Last accessed August 31 2007</ref> Although a very common [[Habituation|habit]], it is a mildly [[taboo]] subject in most [[culture]]s. While nose picking appears to be an almost universal practice amongst humans, the observation of the activity in another commonly provokes mixed feelings of [[disgust]] and [[amusement]]<ref>Hemenover and Schimmack, 2007. "That's disgusting! hellip, but very amusing: Mixed feelings of amusement and disgust" Cognition & Emotion, Volume 21, Issue 5 August 2007, pg. 1102-1113 [http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/1833347530-42598116/content~content=a780723926~db=all~order=page]</ref>. The earliest record of nose picking comes from ancient Egypt, [[Circa|ca.]] [[1330 BC]], where a papyrus scroll found by the eminent archaeologist Dr. Wilbur Leakey details the financial payment of three heads of cattle, and food and lodging, to [[Tutankhamen|Tutankhamen's]] personal nose picker.<ref>Jayesh, D., 2004. "Medical Trivia" British Medical Journal, volume 328(7441), page 679 [http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/328/7441/679] Last accessed 31 August 2007</ref> A 1995 study into nose picking requesting information from 1000 randomly selected adults gathered 254 respondents. It defined nose picking as "the insertion of a finger (or other object) into the nose with the intention of removing dried nasal secretions. Of those who responded, 91% were current nose pickers (but only 75% of these believed everyone did it) and 2 people spent between 15 to 30 minutes and 1 to >2 hours a day picking their nose.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Jefferson JW, Thompson TD |title=Rhinotillexomania: psychiatric disorder or habit? |journal=The Journal of clinical psychiatry |volume=56 |issue=2 |pages=56–9 |year=1995 |pmid=7852253}}</ref> Nose-picking may carry a number of medical risks, thus most doctors recommend against it and encourage the use of a tissue instead. Risks include nasal [[infection]]s, occasional [[Epistaxis|nosebleed]]s (in 25% of those who pick their nose)<ref name=Andrade/> and in rare cases perforation of the [[nasal septum]] (self-induced ethmoidectomy).<ref>Caruso, R.D., Sherry, R.G., Rosenbaum, A.E., Joy, S.E., Chang J.K. & Sanford, D.M., 1997. "Self-induced ethmoidectomy from rhinotillexomani" American Journal of Neuroradiology, volume 18, number 10, page 1949-1950 [http://www.ajnr.org/cgi/content/abstract/18/10/1949] Last accessed 31 August 2007</ref> Nose picking, however, should not affect the [[olfaction|sense of smell]], as the [[nasal cavity]] where the [[olfactory nerves]] are located are too high up to reach. Also, due to the special nature of the blood supply to the nose and surrounding area, it is possible for [[retrograde infection]]s from the nasal area to spread to the brain, although this scenario is unlikely to arise from normal rhinotillexis. For this reason, the area from the corners of the mouth to the bridge of the nose, including the nose and [[maxilla]], is known to doctors as the "[[danger triangle of the face]]." One [[Physician | doctor]], Dr. Friedrich Bischinger of [[Austria]], claims that nose-picking, combined with nasal mucus eating, may benefit the [[immune system]].<ref>[http://in.news.yahoo.com/040411/139/2ci0w.html Pick your nose and eat snot to stay healthy!] Yahoo news, Sunday April 11, 4:09 PM. Accessed 27 September 2007</ref> == References == {{reflist}} ==See also== * [[Hygiene]] * [[Nasal irrigation]] * [[Mucus|Nasal mucus]] [[Category:Habits]] [[Category:Rhinology]] [[de:Nasenbohren]] [[es:Hurgarse la nariz]] [[mk:Чепкање нос]] [[nl:Neuspeuteren]] [[ru:Ринотиллексомания]] [[tl:Pangungulangot]] [[zh:摳鼻子]]