In this article:
- 4 Ways for parents to help curb the habit
- Is nose picking harmful?
- Can eating boogers make you sick?
- And when to call a pediatrician
“My kid is constantly picking his nose! It’s gross and I’m afraid he’s spreading germs. How do I make him stop?” Nose picking is a common childhood habit—and also a nuisance. It’s an unsanitary and often embarrassing behavior, but teaching our kids to resist the urge consistently? That at times feels impossible. For answers in this Sound Advice column, we reached out to pediatrician Dr. Sonia Shukla-Ahluwalia, who tells us whether it’s harmful, what to watch for, and a few simple ways parents can guide them toward better hygiene.
Meet the Expert
Shukla-Ahluwalia is a pediatrician at Pecan Tree Pediatrics (locations in Dallas, Rockwall and Wylie), as well as a speaker and educator at Turning Teen. She shares this advice below:
Nose picking is a very common childhood habit and while it can be frustrating for parents, it is important to remember that this behavior is usually harmless and often temporary. The main concerns with nose picking are the spread of germs and the potential for nosebleeds.
Children may pick their noses for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they feel a sensation in their nose that bothers them, such as dryness, itching or congestion. Other times, they may do it out of boredom or without even realizing it. Although nose picking is often grouped with other self-soothing habits—such as thumb sucking, nail biting or teeth grinding—it does not necessarily indicate that your child is anxious or stressed.
RELATED: Kids Dental Care at Home 101
4 Ways for parents to help curb the habit
Breaking habits takes time, but there are several strategies that can help guide your child toward healthier behaviors:
1. Encourage using facial tissues
Offer your child a tissue when you see them picking their nose. This teaches proper hygiene and provides an alternative to using their fingers. Remind them to wash their hands afterward.
2. Use positive reinforcement
Praise your child when they use a tissue instead of their hands. Some families find reward systems, such as sticker charts, helpful for building consistency.
3. Keep their hands busy
For some children, having a small toy, fidget spinner, or stress ball to occupy their hands can reduce the habit.
4. Teach social awareness
Talk to your child about which habits are appropriate in public versus private. For example, if they feel they must clear their nose, it is best done in the bathroom or bedroom rather than in class or at the dinner table.
Is nose picking harmful?
Among the most immediate risks are:
1. Germ transmission
Nasal mucus acts as a filter, trapping irritants like pollen, dust, and viruses. When mucus dries, it holds these particles—and germs. Once a child picks their nose, these germs can easily spread to their hands and then to everything they touch.
2. Nosebleeds
Fingernails can scratch the delicate lining inside the nose, leading to bleeding. Frequent nosebleeds are very common in children who pick their noses.
So, can “eating boogers” make you sick?
While unappealing, this behavior is not typically harmful. Our bodies naturally swallow mucus as part of the normal function of the nose and throat.
When to call your pediatrician: If your child experiences frequent nosebleeds despite your efforts, or if the habit is interfering with their daily life, it is a good idea to schedule a visit with your pediatrician to discuss additional strategies or evaluate for underlying causes.
RELATED: Find a Mom-Approved pediatrician near you
Have a parenting question you’d like our experts to answer? Submit yours here (or message us on Instagram @dfwchildmag or email editorial@dfwchild.com) and your question may be answered and published in a future issue of DFWChild magazine.
