11 Methods:Using the Index Finger to Wipe Both NostrilsUsing the Back of the Hand to Wipe Both Nostrils (knuckle to wrist)Using the Back of the Hand to Wipe Both Nostrils (small to index)Using the Palm to Wipe Both Nostrils (fingertips to palm)Using the Palm to Wipe Both Nostrils (index to small)Wiping Only One Nostril (with one digit)Wiping Only One Nostril (with more than one digit)Wiping Only One Nostril ("underlining the nose" technique)Using the Palm to Wipe One NostrilWiping the Nose While Wearing Gloves or MittensDiscreet Nose Wiping
The art of using a bare or gloved hand to catch a running nose.
Using only the hands to wipe a running nose is applicable when tissues and handkerchiefs are unavailable. All digits and all parts of the hand can be used to wipe either or both nostrils. People use their fingers and hands to wipe their noses because it is convenient to.
Method 1 of 11: Using the Index Finger to Wipe Both Nostrils
Method 2 of 11: Using the Back of the Hand to Wipe Both Nostrils (knuckle to wrist)
The nose may be wiped on any part of the hand or fingers and it is not uncommon for those with running noses to wipe their noses across the backs of their hands as to not contaminate their fingertips and palms with snot.
1This is performed most easily by placing the nostrils just beneath the knuckles and
2then wiping the nose towards the wrist.
Method 3 of 11: Using the Back of the Hand to Wipe Both Nostrils (small to index)
Method 4 of 11: Using the Palm to Wipe Both Nostrils (fingertips to palm)
Some people refer to this colloquially as the "allergic salute" because the upward-swiping hand is "saluting".
1First place the tips of the middle and index fingers against the nostrils and
2then in an upward movement cup the nostrils and run the hand upwards, thus allowing the softest part of the palm to catch the most snot.
Method 5 of 11: Using the Palm to Wipe Both Nostrils (index to small)
Method 6 of 11: Wiping Only One Nostril (with one digit)
Method 7 of 11: Wiping Only One Nostril (with more than one digit)
The "allergic salute" during this technique involves a fist.
1Clench a fist and utilize the side of the index finger, the back of the thumb, and the space in between the index finger and thumb for greater coverage of one nostril.
2Place the running nostril on the knuckle of the index finger and
3wipe upwards, utilizing the three sections of the hand mentioned above.
Method 8 of 11: Wiping Only One Nostril ("underlining the nose" technique)
Method 9 of 11: Using the Palm to Wipe One Nostril
Method 10 of 11: Wiping the Nose While Wearing Gloves or Mittens
1Be prepared for winter runny noses. Running noses are common during the winter months due to the accumulation of condensation and mucus in the nostrils.
2Decide whether you're willing to wipe with your glove. Since gloves and mittens are worn to keep the hands warm, they may be used as a place to wipe the nose in the same manner as bare fingers and hands. Soft materials used in winter gloves, such as leather and cotton can create a soft cushion for the nose that is being wiped.
- The fabric of the glove acts as a surrogate for the wearer's skin, which without the glove would be catching and absorbing all of the snot. By allowing for a glove or mitten to catch it's wearer's snot, the wearer thus will avoid his or her hands feeling or being wet with snot. The glove acts as a convenient rag for a running nose.
- In winter sports and other areas where wiping one's nose with hands or fingers would be acceptable, it is common to openly use the back of the glove for nose-wiping without embarrassment. Many gloves manufactured for winter and sporting uses often possess built-in nose wipes, pads on the thumb or index finger, specially designed for the nose to be wiped on it.
3Consider removal nose wipe pads. These may be purchased and placed over the backs of the gloves. Household latex, plastic, rubber, or gloves any type may also be used as a place to wipe the nose in the same manner as bare fingers and hands. Unlike leather or cotton gloves, a latex, plastic, or rubber glove will not absorb the wearer's snot. The surfaces of these gloves may remain slippery to until the snot dries on them.
Method 11 of 11: Discreet Nose Wiping
If you are in a situation where you do not want to draw attention to your runny or itchy nose you can trick potential onlookers into thinking that you are doing something else.
1You can mask a sideways allergic salute as a yawn, or you can integrate a sideways allergic salute into a real yawn. Just utilize your palm to wipe your nose immediately after you cover your mouth.
2You can also integrate the sideways allergic salute into a sneeze. You can do so by integrating the act of "covering your mouth" into the way in which you bring your hand into position to perform the sideways allergic salute.
3You can even motion as to rub an aching forehead. As you bring your hand up to rub your forehead you can sneak a sideways allergic salute on the way. If you are only wiping your brow you can also wipe your nose on your palm as your fingers rub your forehead.
4If you are wearing glasses or sunglasses. Consider integrating nose wiping techniques into any motion where you need to adjust your glasses.
- To wipe one nostril during an act to reposition glasses, use the index finger and thumb that corresponds to the running nostril to make the letter "c" or backwards "כ". While your hand is on its way to adjust the frame of your glasses, sneak a wipe with the back and interior side of your thumb.
- Make others think you are pushing a sliding frame of glasses back up the bridge of your nose with the tips of your fingers as you simultaneously perform the allergic salute by wiping your nose on your palm. The act of wiping the nose itself may move glasses out of position so this technique solves both problems.
5If you still are not comfortable being discreet enough, wait until nobody is looking to wipe your nose. This can easily be achieved by causing a distraction (such as asking a question that will cause others to turn from you to look at something) which can give you adequate time to wipe your running nose.Ad
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- While wiping with the back of your fingers remember that your knuckles work well to wipe against the inside of the opening of your nostrils.
- If an onlooker makes a comment about your saluting and you don't want to admit to doing it, just say that you were "itching" your nose.
- Remember that you are not limited to the techniques that are listed above.
- Some in the medical community have recognized that besides merely the wiping away of snot, some techniques, primarily the "allergic salute", allow the individual wiping to also relieve nasal itching as well as temporarily prop open the naval passageways. Since the nose is being wiped upwards, the flesh of the nasal passageways are temporarily stretched open, allowing for better breathing on the part of the individual wiping.
- When wiping only one nostril it is easier to use whichever hand corresponds (left and right) to that nostril.
- After one area of your hand or glove is damp with snot you may want to continue wiping on other areas.
- If your nose is still damp after wiping repeat the technique or try a different one.
- If you are constantly wiping your nose and also need to wear winter gloves, choose gloves that are darker in color so that they will be less likely to become stained.
- A glove or mitten that has been used to wipe a running nose can become a home for germs that you will spread on whatever you touch.
- The skin around your nostrils may become sore and irritated if you rub too much or against a glove or mitten of rough fabric.
- Wiping your nose on your hands can allow you to spread germs.
- After you wipe your nose on your hands, other people may not want to shake your hands or they may give you a "dirty" look or even comment on what you were doing.
- Although a soft glove may feel good against your nostrils, remember that your snot may stain or discolor the fabric.
- Transversely, the the dye from a glove or mitten may rub off onto your nostrils.
- If you wipe your nose too frequently or too roughly, you may cause a crease on the skin of the bridge of your nose to form.