How to Wipe Your Nose on Your Hands

Last Updated: April 14, 2022

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

Method 1 of 11:

Using the Index Finger to Wipe Both Nostrils

1
The most common technique involves rubbing the top or side (or both) of the index finger underneath the nose and nostrils. Some people refer to this colloquially as "underlining the nose" because the index finger placed above the upper-lip, beneath the nose, 'underlines' it.

Method 2

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.

1
This is performed most easily by placing the nostrils just beneath the knuckles.
2
Wipe the nose towards the wrist.

Method 3

Method 3 of 11:

Using the Back of the Hand to Wipe Both Nostrils (small to index)

1
Place the nostrils against the small finger.
2
Wipe the nostrils towards the index finger.

Method 4

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".

1
Place the tips of the middle and index fingers against the nostrils.
2
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

Method 5 of 11:

Using the Palm to Wipe Both Nostrils (index to small)

This technique involves a sideways "allergic salute".

1
Turn the hand sideways and place the nostrils in between the index finger and thumb.
2
Run the hand upwards to catch the snot.

Method 6

Method 6 of 11:

Wiping Only One Nostril (with one digit)

This technique involves a one-fingered approach to the "allergic salute". When only intending to wipe one nostril, the use of the top of the back of the thumb or index finger becomes practical.

1
Place the running nostril on the knuckle.
2
Wipe in an upwards motion.

Method 7

Method 7 of 11:

Wiping Only One Nostril (with more than one digit)

The "allergic salute" during this technique involves a fist.

1
Clench 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.
2
Place the running nostril on the knuckle of the index finger.
3
Wipe upwards, utilizing the three sections of the hand mentioned above.

Method 8

Method 8 of 11:

Wiping Only One Nostril ("underlining the nose" technique)

1
The underlining the nose approach may also be utilized to wipe only one nostril by wiping the index finger on a 45 degree angle against one nostril.

Method 9

Method 9 of 11:

Using the Palm to Wipe One Nostril

This technique is exactly the same as the "allergic salute" mentioned above but involves only the wiping of one nostril.

1
Place the running nostril on the tips of the index and middle fingers.
2
Wipe the nostril on a 45 degree angle towards the wrist.

Method 10

Method 10 of 11:

Wiping the Nose While Wearing Gloves or Mittens

1
Be prepared for winter runny noses. Running noses are common during the winter months due to the accumulation of condensation and mucus in the nostrils.
2
Decide 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.
3
Consider 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

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.

1
You 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.
2
You 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.
3
You 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.
4
If 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.
5
If 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.

Warnings

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.

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Wiping your nose on your hands can allow you to spread germs.

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Although a soft glove may feel good against your nostrils, remember that your snot may stain or discolor the fabric.

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Transversely, the the dye from a glove or mitten may rub off onto your nostrils.

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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.

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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.

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The skin around your nostrils may become sore and irritated if you rub too much or against a glove or mitten of rough fabric.

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