Chronic Rhinotillexomania Leading to Unilateral External Nare Stenosis

Compulsive nose picking (rhinotillexomania) is a commonly known condition to general practitioners and pediatricians and is often advised against. This case highlights a 29-year-old individual with a prolonged history of intermittent rhinotillexomania who presented with repetitive viral upper respiratory infections. Physical examinations showed an enlarged nasal turbinate unilaterally with an otherwise normal nasal architecture. Further imaging and investigations showed no abnormalities or evidence of greater pathology. It was hypothesized that the patient's rhinotillexomania induced repetitive inflammation and subsequent hyperplasia of the nasal tissue, narrowing the circumference of an external nare. This case highlights the risks of a common but potentially dangerous habit along with its management.