Child With Finger in the Nose – What to Do?

Today’s topic is a little “snotty,” but very common in the world of children: a child with their finger in their nose. Is this normal? And why, besides picking their nose, do some kids even eat the boogers they remove?

Expert’s View

Nose picking is a small unpleasant habit that most parents try to discourage in their children. A recent study by Scott Napper, a professor of biochemistry at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, claims that children who eat their own mucus may end up developing a stronger immunity compared to other children who have never tried such a delicacy¹. According to Napper, boogers, as they are often called, are a mixture of proteins, water, and cellular debris, and tend to harbor bacteria that, when ingested, help to strengthen the body’s natural immune system. “Medically, it makes a lot of sense and is perfectly natural to eat it,” argues Napper. In terms of the immune system, the nose is a filter in which a large number of bacteria are collected, and when this mixture reaches the intestines, it works like a medicine. It acts as a vaccine, teaching the immune system which pathogens are present in the environment. The immune system can then prepare itself to fight the specific bacteria that are regularly encountered. In any case, it is a safer method than approved vaccines to provide small doses of bacteria that are already covered in protective mucus, with the advantage of not needing to inject them into the body with a needle. We all know how much children hate needles! When it comes to happiness, the professor believes that the child with a finger in their nose is completely happy doing so.

Children are not bothered by labels. They are also creatures who react to their environment. That is, if they have an itch, it doesn’t matter where they are, they will scratch. If they have to go to the bathroom, they go, and if they feel an itch in the nose, or feel that there is something stuck inside, they will put their finger in to remove it. Just because adults think it is something gross doesn’t mean the child will agree. In fact, they are just reacting to something they feel. “With your finger you can reach places you simply can’t with a tissue, keeping the nose very clean,” adds Professor Napper. However, a child who is always picking their nose may be suffering from allergies.

How to Stop a Child from Picking Their Nose?

Even if eating boogers isn’t so bad, the child’s dirty fingers are a big problem. Children who pick their noses spread and catch infectious diseases, especially viruses such as those that cause the flu and common cold. They need to learn that nose picking is not socially acceptable behavior. But what can parents do to help their children break the nose picking habit?

Find out why the child picks their nose

Find out if it’s a nervous habit² or if the child simply does it because it feels good. Does the child have a cold or allergies? If it’s a nervous habit, try replacing it with another habit that is more acceptable. A good tip is to give them something to keep their hands busy, so their hands stay out of the nose.

Don’t rely on tissues

Most of the time, a child with a finger in their nose is bothered by something inside. Tissues are quite weak for removing what’s bothering them. It’s important to teach children to blow their nose and use tissues, especially if they have a cold or allergies, but tissues usually don’t do much for a child who is trying to remove something from inside their nose. And, in any case, they will still need to wash their hands after using tissues. Instead of giving accessories, teach your child to clean their nose in a private space, such as the bathroom, and then wash their hands.

Hand sanitizer will be your best friend

Often, proper hand washing doesn’t always happen when it comes to a child who habitually picks their nose. In this case, hand sanitizer is effective for killing the vast majority of common viruses, such as the flu and cold.

Treat allergies

What do children do when they have an itch deep in their nose? That’s right! Allergies are one of the main reasons children pick their noses. However, chronic itching can be treated. For seasonal allergies that cause itching in the nose, runny nose, and congestion, there are medications that treat and relieve symptoms. However, it’s important to highlight that you should always consult a doctor.

Avoid nasal dehydration

Dry secretions almost always require cleaning with a finger, because they simply won’t come out with a tissue. The best way to avoid dry nasal passages is good hydration. Saline sprays and air humidifiers can also help.

Don’t be punitive

Punishing the child who has the habit of picking their nose is ineffective and only results in frustration and shame. Sometimes parents (myself included) are tempted to punish their children because they feel frustrated after explaining over and over that this habit isn’t nice, and the child still keeps picking their nose. Instead, the ideal is to try to find the root of the problem and address it.

Keep nails short

Long nails are fertile ground for germs and are hard to keep clean. They can also cause injuries that lead to nosebleeds. Keep children’s nails short and avoid a range of problems.

Avoid nosebleeds

Children who habitually pick their nose are more likely to have nosebleeds³. Nasal passages that are constantly attacked by little nervous fingers can become extremely fragile, causing the rupture of small blood vessels in the nose and leading to bleeding that can be mild, moderate, or severe, and may even require cauterization.

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