9 Important facts about nose hairs & bull; hello healthy

When you are looking at your nostrils, you may notice nose hairs growing, even sticking out of the nostrils. Of course, this is sometimes quite annoying and spoil your appearance. Therefore, some people feel that pulling the hair on the nose is the best solution to overcome it. However, what are the functions of the hairs on your nose? Is it okay for us to pull it out at will? Check out the reviews below.

What are the functions of the hairs on the human nose?

Nasal hairs, which are also known as vibrissae and cilia in medicine, are definitely shared by all humans. As we get older, the hair on the nose will get longer, maybe even grow to look out of the nostrils.

External factors can affect the growth of nasal hair, so that the number or volume of hair can increase or decrease. Examples of such external factors are chemicals and cosmetics, as they can damage hair follicles. In addition, health and genetic factors make it possible to change the pattern of hair growth on the nose.

Even though it sometimes disturbs your appearance, it turns out that the hair on your nose also plays an important role in the health of your body. Anything?

1. Nose hairs act as a shield to your body

Nasal hair is part of the anatomy of the nose that is at the forefront of protecting your health. One way is to ward off foreign particles in the air, such as germs, fungi, and spores.

Most of the particles in the air you breathe will not reach your respiratory tract because they are blocked by nasal hairs. The hairs are also assisted by mucus to trap particles and germs.

Dirt and other harmful particles will generally be directed towards the back of the throat and esophagus to swallow. Meanwhile, the filtered air will continue to the larynx and lungs.

If these particles make it into the respiratory tract, your body will usually react naturally to expel them, namely by sneezing.

3. Nasal hairs facilitate the evaporation of sweat

Nasal hair fibers serve the additional purpose of adding to the surface area of ​​the skin which helps sweat to evaporate.

The nerve tissue that surrounds the hair follicles in the nose can provide information to your body about the state of your environment.

4. Nasal hairs provide moisture to the inhaled air

Another function of the hair on your nose is to provide additional moisture to the inhaled air. When air enters through the nose, the mucus and hair in the nose will provide heat and moisture.

Moisture itself is very important for other respiratory systems, such as the larynx and lungs. If the inside of your nose and respiratory system is too dry, you can experience various nasal problems, such as irritation and easy nosebleeds.

Is it okay to pluck the nose hair?

Nasal hairs are the most important part of your nose, because they are a natural air filter that is always attached to the body.

However, often people feel that the existence of these fine hairs is annoying and embarrassing. Therefore, pulling out the hairs on the nose is believed to be the only way to overcome it. However, is this action safe to do?

Apparently, pulling hairs on the nose carelessly is not recommended and risks causing various health problems, you know. What are the dangers of plucking nose hairs?

1. Ingrown nose hairs

Sometimes, the wrong act of plucking body hair or hair can actually cause the hair to grow into the skin. This condition is called ingrown hair .

Not only on the nose, ingrown hair can appear in any area where hair is often pulled or shaved, such as the face, armpits, and groin.

Ingrown hair usually in the form of a small pimple-like lump or bump that feels painful and itchy. This condition generally goes away on its own, but you can see a doctor if the lump doesn't go away or appears frequently.

2. Risk of developing asthma

Pulling out the fine hairs on your nose can also increase your risk of developing asthma, even if you have never had asthma before. This was revealed through a study from the journal International Archives of Allergy and Immunology .

The study involved 233 participants who were divided into 3 categories, namely those who have a little, a lot, and no nose hair at all.

The result, participants who have less hair on their nose are more at risk of suffering from asthma than other participants with thicker nose hair.

This is presumably because the fine hairs on the nose that are too few will allow more foreign particles to enter the lungs. In some people, this condition can trigger asthma.

3. Furunculosis

Furunculosis is an infection of the hair follicles in your nose. Yes, mistakes in plucking nose hairs also have the potential to cause infection in the nose.

This condition is more common in people with poor immune systems. In rare cases, furunculosis runs the risk of triggering other complications if the infection spreads to other parts of the body, such as meningitis, cellulitis, and sinus thrombosis.

Tips for removing nose hair safely

After knowing the dangers of plucking nose hairs above, that doesn't mean you shouldn't pluck them at all. No need to worry, because there are still several other ways you can try to straighten the hairs on your nose without having to pull them out by force.

1. Using special scissors

Pulling the nasal hair with sudden, violent movements can injure the nose and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, use scissors with a special shape and size, so that you do not have to pluck your nose hair.

Cut a section of long nose hair sticking out of the nostrils. In fact, currently there is an electric shaver that can be used specifically for your nose.

2. Laser hair removal therapy

Apart from cutting, you can also try laser hair removal therapy for your nose. This therapy is usually performed with a dermatologist, who will beam a laser beam to damage the nasal hair follicles. This way, hair will no longer grow from your nose.

Of course, you have to spend more to do this therapy. Plus, this therapy has several side effects, such as skin irritation and skin discoloration.