Doctors are issuing an urgent warning to those who use tweezers to remove their nostril hair.
Although everyone has them, nose hairs aren’t something most of us think about too much.
But for some people, they can be particularly unpleasant when they become visible – so much so that they’ll remove them.
Now, doctors are speaking out against using tweezers to remove nostril hairs.
After learning it’s not a good idea to use tweezers on nostril hairs, one person said: “I had no idea, and now I’m so grossed out!”
In agreement, another added: “Damn, I’ve been pulling it my whole life and just found this information.”
“Never pulling them again,” vowed a third.
Somebody else commented: “Oh gosh! I always pull out my nose hairs. Now I won’t do this anymore.”
Although many may not realize it, nostril hairs serve important purposes.
Dr. Michael Jacobs, a board-certified dermatologist, tells HuffPost that nose hairs ‘trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particles so that the air you breathe is partially filtered,’ preventing allergens from penetrating deeper into the nasal passages.
Elaborating further, Dr. Don J. Beasley, a board-certified otolaryngologist, continues: “The nose is a delicate area with numerous blood vessels and mucous membranes.
“When something touches the nostril hairs, such as a small insect or other irritants, it triggers a reflexive sneeze, which is the body’s way of expelling the intruder or irritant.”
Dr. Beasley adds that nose hairs also ‘trap moisture from exhaled air, preventing the nasal passages from becoming too dry.’ This helps to humidify the air we breathe.
When removing nose hairs, there are certain matters to be wary of.
Dr. Nicole Aaronson, a board-certified otolaryngologist, advises people to avoid plucking out their nostril hairs.
She notes that she’s had to perform incision and drainage of nasal abscesses related to such plucking.
Meanwhile, Dr. Erich Voigt, an otologist at NYU, has shared an even more concerning warning.
He tells Business Insider: “There are germs at the base of the hair follicles. When the hair follicles are pulled out, the germs can jump in – and those infections can be lethal.
“The veins that drain the blood to the from the nose, lead to the vein that drain the brain. Germs can travel to the back and induce meningitis and abscesses.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of The Dr. Oz Show, adds (via CNBC): “You pick in that area, that triangle of death, you have a risk of that infection transcending the skin and going up to your brain.
“You pull that hair out… there’s a little blood that leaks out from the follicle that got disrupted.”
So, what exactly is the ominous ‘triangle of death’?
As explained by Cleveland Clinic: “An infection in the danger triangle – like from a picked pimple, or a nose piercing gone wrong – has a small but not impossible chance of traveling from your face right to your brain, without much distance to cover between them.”
In very rare cases, an infection of the face may lead to septic cavernous sinus thrombosis, a bacterial infection in your face or skull, potentially causing various life-threatening health issues.
Nowadays, septic cavernous sinus thrombosis is typically a curable condition when caught in time.
Although we’ve just unloaded a rather worrisome warning, don’t panic – such dangerous infections are incredibly rare.
Still, be cautious and practice alternative nose hair removal methods.
Experts recommend using an electric trimmer or rounded scissors as safer alternatives to waxing and plucking. Electric trimmers, which do not completely remove nose hairs, provide a safer option.