Don't pick your nose! Believe it or not, boogers and snot have your best interests in mind. When you breathe, you're not just inhaling air. You also breathe in dirt, dust, pollen and bacteria. All of these go through your nose and could end up in your body if boogers weren't on the case. Nose hairs and mucus work to trap all that gross stuff from getting into your body.
Boogers mean that your nose is working properly. Mucus lines the inside of your nose, protecting the area and keeping it moist. A booger forms when the tiny hairs in your nose trap that mucus, dirt, and other stuff and it all dries out and clumps together. This can be pretty disgusting, but it's also very useful.
When people tell you not to pick your nose, it's not just because it's unpleasant for others to watch. For one thing, your hands can be very dirty even if they look clean. Don't let all that bacteria get inside so easily! Second, picking your nose can damage the skin inside your nostrils, causing small cuts that can take a while to heal. Add that to all the germs you carry on your hands, and it's easy to get an infection.
But we all know that sometimes a booger is so annoying there's no way around it. First, try blowing your nose. If this doesn't work, as a last resort your can wrap your finger in a tissue. Remember to wash your hands before and after, and please don't do it during dinner! And – do we even need to say this? – boogers are not for eating.
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