A doctor has opened up about the scary reason why plucking or waxing your nose hair is a seriously bad idea.
Hair removal has remained a popular topic in recent decades, with ever more options available for those that wish to go hair-free on different parts of their body.
While it is a personal choice, there has never been more options for those that wish to be smooth all over.
Nostrils are seemingly included in the topic, but doctors have warned that how nose hairs are removed - and if they're gone entirely - can come with some pretty nasty side-effects.
Dr. Don J. Beasley, an Idaho-based board-certified otolaryngologist (an ear, nose and throat specialist), told Buzzfeed why nose hairs are best left alone.
"The nose is a delicate area with numerous blood vessels and mucous membranes,” he explained.
And when it comes to methods of removal, there can be a high chance of infection if proper hygiene practises aren't in place, which could cause some pretty nasty side-effects.
An infection in the area could cause folliculitis, which is a skin condition that happens when the hair follicles become inflamed after being infected with bacteria, which causes them to appear like small pimples before the itchy area can spread and turn into crusty sores.
While most cases heal up in a few days, more extreme or repeat infections could need prescription medicine, or in most severe cases can also cause permanent hair loss or scarring.
It can also lead to nasal cellulitis, an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, which can cause redness and swelling of the nose.
And while nose hairs may not be the most aesthetically pleasing feature on your face, they do serve a very important purpose in filtering the air you breathe in.
Dr. Michael Jacobs, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, told the outlet: "The primary role of nose hairs is to trap dust, pollen and other airborne particles in the air so that the air you breathe is partially filtered."
They also act as a physical barrier to prevent allergens from entering the nasal passaged and respiratory system, as well as alerting the body to potential dangers by triggering a sneeze reflex when a foreign body - such as a small insect - tries to enter the nose.
Nose hairs also have other functions, as Beasley explained: "Nose hairs trap moisture from exhaled air, preventing the nasal passages from becoming too dry. This moisture helps to humidify the air we breathe, making it more comfortable for our respiratory system."
While your dad or grandad might rely on their trusty nose hair trimmer to keep their nostrils in check, people are increasingly turning to waxing as a longer-lasting - if more painful - alternative.
And opening the hair follicles up in this way can lead to infections, as Dr. Nicole Aaronson, a Delaware-based board-certified otolaryngologist, explained: "While waxing doesn’t necessarily weaken the immune system, it does breach the skin barrier by creating openings for bacteria to get into the deeper tissues, thus creating the opportunity for infection."
Doing it yourself can also be pretty risky as there's a chance of burning the nasal mucosa if the wax is too hot, which could damage the tissue lining the nasal cavity, causing small lesions which would then be open to infection.
Beasley added: "Nose waxing can be an uncomfortable experience, as the delicate nasal passages can be sensitive to the pulling sensation, potentially causing temporary pain, redness and irritation."
There's also the potential for ingrown hairs in the nostril which can be pretty painful too.
The professionals recommend leaving your nose hairs well alone, but if you find they're protruding outside of the nostrils themselves, you can carefully cut them down with a clean pair of eyebrow scissors, preferably with rounded tips to prevent injury.
For hair deeper in the nostril, they recommend an electric nasal hair trimmer to cut them down to less obtrusive lengths while still protecting the delicate inside of the nose.
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