Why Picking Your Nose Is Dangerous, According to Science

Picking your nose—everyone does it, even if they won’t admit it.

But have you ever stopped to wonder why it sometimes leads to a sudden, unexpected nosebleed?

The anatomy of your nasal cavity holds the answer, and it’s more fascinating (and a little gross) than you might expect.

The Unique Anatomy of Your Nose

Your nose is more than just a protruding part of your face—it’s a complex structure designed to filter, humidify, and warm the air you breathe.

But its delicate construction also makes it particularly vulnerable to damage.

Cartilage and Bone: What’s Really in Your Nose?

Your nose is primarily made of hyaline cartilage, which keeps it firm yet flexible. This cartilage reduces friction and allows your nose to absorb impact without completely shattering. However, not all of your nose is cartilage—there are also bones involved, specifically:

The nasal bones, which form the upper bridge of your nose.
The bony part of the nasal septum, which divides your nostrils.
The cartilaginous part of the nasal septum, which connects to the nasal bones and provides some flexibility.

When people say they’ve “broken their nose,” they could have fractured the nasal bones or damaged the bony nasal septum. Either way, it’s not something you’d want to experience.

The Hidden Structures Inside Your Nasal Cavity

If you could look inside your nose, you’d see bony structures called conchae (or turbinates). These curved bones, covered in mucosal membranes, help to increase surface area, ensuring that the air you breathe is properly warmed and humidified.

Between these conchae are passageways called meatuses, which direct airflow through your nasal cavity and into your respiratory system.

But perhaps the most important (and fragile) part of your nose is Little’s Area—also known as Kiesselbach’s Plexus.

Why Nosebleeds Happen So Easily

Ever wondered why a simple nose pick can lead to an unexpected epistaxis (the medical term for nosebleed)? It all comes down to blood vessels—and your nose has a lot of them.

The Role of Mucosal Membranes

The mucosal membranes in your nose are highly vascularized (packed with blood vessels) for a reason. As you breathe, these membranes help to warm the air before it reaches your lungs. But because these blood vessels are so close to the surface, they’re also extremely easy to damage.

The Bleeding Hotspot

Around 90% of nosebleeds originate from Little’s Area, a region at the front of the nasal septum where multiple blood vessels converge. This area is particularly vulnerable because:

The blood vessels are superficial.
The airflow constantly dries out the membrane, making it prone to cracking.
Aggressive nose-picking or even dry weather can cause small tears that lead to bleeding.

Types of Nosebleeds: Anterior vs. Posterior

There are two main types of nosebleeds:

Anterior Nosebleeds (90% of cases) – These come from Little’s Area and typically bleed out of the nostrils.
Posterior Nosebleeds (Rarer but More Dangerous) – These occur deeper inside the nasal cavity, allowing blood to drip down the throat. If severe, they may require medical attention.

How to Stop a Nosebleed the Right Way

If you get a nosebleed, don’t panic—but also don’t tilt your head back! That’s a common mistake that can cause blood to drain into your throat, leading to nausea or even choking.

Best Practices for Stopping a Nosebleed

Lean Forward – This prevents blood from going down your throat.
Pinch Your Nostrils Together – This applies pressure to Little’s Area, helping to clot the blood.
Wait 10-15 Minutes – Keep applying pressure without checking too soon.
Avoid Blowing Your Nose – Blowing your nose too soon can dislodge the clot and restart the bleeding.

If the bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes, seek medical attention, especially if you suspect a posterior nosebleed.

Is Picking Your Nose Ever Okay?

Despite its bad reputation, picking your nose does serve a purpose—it helps remove dried mucus (boogers) that contain trapped dirt, pathogens, and debris. But the key is gentleness.