Alarming addiction risk facing young people prompts unlikely craze for NASAL STRIPS

The simple nasal strip has unexpectedly turned into a popular fashion accessory for Generation Z. The increasing demand for these colorful versions of the conventional medical product seems to be influenced by concerns surrounding the potential addiction to decongestant medications among young individuals.

The rising trend of brightly colored nasal strips can be attributed to social media influencers promoting their advantages on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, catering to the image-conscious audience.

These young influencers claim that nasal strips have various benefits such as improving athletic performance, alleviating congestion, managing allergy symptoms, enhancing sleep quality, and reducing snoring tendencies.

‘For the girlies who are sick in the winter and a play sport… Use a nasal strip,’ the TikToker Molly Mas said in a video.

But the buzz around the quirky accessory has also drawn attention to alarming warnings from doctors about the risks of getting addicted to over-the-counter nasal sprays.

Nasal sprays, which are often used to treat conditions like allergies and congestion, can contain drugs such as such as oxymetazoline and xylometazoline. The products, which are used by millions in the US, are not harmful if used for 3-5 days at a time.

However, doctors say some people are becoming hooked on the treatment. 

‘Some people need to use them every hour,’ said the popular TikToker Doctor Sooj recently warned.

There has been a frenzy on Instagram and Tiktok for brightly colored variations of the bathroom cabinet staple after image-conscious influencers extolled their benefits

There has been a frenzy on Instagram and Tiktok for brightly colored variations of the bathroom cabinet staple after image-conscious influencers extolled their benefits

Gen Z trendsetters say nasal strips can enhance athletic performance and stop congestion

Others say they can tackle allergy symptoms and improve the quality of your sleep

Gen Z trendsetters say nasal strips can enhance athletic performance, stop congestion, help tackle allergy symptoms, improve sleep quality and prevent snoring 

The buzz around the quirky accessory has also served to draw attention to alarming warnings from doctors about the risks of becoming addicted to over-the-counter nasal sprays

The buzz around the quirky accessory has also served to draw attention to alarming warnings from doctors about the risks of becoming addicted to over-the-counter nasal sprays 

‘Going cold turkey would probably be awful. It’s going to be really hard and horrible. It can lead to months or even a year of just distress.’

Ohio resident Robin Burgensen explained to Medical News Today the impact that nasal spray addiction had on her life.

‘I’ve been addicted to various nasal sprays all my life. They start working at first, but then I start needing more and more to keep it working,’ she said. 

‘Finally I started getting nosebleeds and my doctor told me to get off the nasal sprays.’

Besides nose bleeds, withdrawal symptoms or side effects of nasal spray addiction include headaches, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. 

The entrepreneur Shota Shermadini founded Strippy, one of the firms behind the trend for funky nasal strips, in an effort to make this healthy alternative to sprays a little more sexy. 

‘I’ve dealt with allergies my entire life and the struggle to breathe easily is all too real. I wanted to create a product that not only works but makes you feel good wearing it,’ he told DailyMail.com. 

‘Strippy is my solution to a problem I know millions face daily. It’s more than a product for me — it’s a mission to help others breathe better and feel better, with a touch of personality. Gen Z doesn’t settle for ordinary, and neither do we.’ 

The entrepreneur Shota Shermadini started selling quirky colored nasal strips after suffering with allergies. He hopes they will provide a fun alternative to sprays

The entrepreneur Shota Shermadini started selling quirky colored nasal strips after suffering with allergies. He hopes they will provide a fun alternative to sprays

‘Watching something that started as a personal solution turn into a product that genuinely helps others is a deeply rewarding experience,’ he said. 

The trend for quirky nasal strips comes after brightly colored ‘pimple patches’ took the market by storm in 2024.

The patches took off after becoming a favorite of A-list celebs like celebs like Hailey Bieber, Addison Rae and Florence Pugh.

‘Whenever I turn around, I see strangers wearing them while carefully selecting their groceries, picking up a new shirt at the mall, or just walking down the street,’ Tiffany Dodson wrote in Harper’s Bazaar.

You May Also Like
RHOBH star Dorit Kemsley files for divorce from estranged husband PK after his clinch with Ryan Seacrest's ex

Dorit Kemsley, a cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, starts divorce proceedings from her separated spouse PK following his interaction with the former partner of Ryan Seacrest.

The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Dorit Kemsley has finally filed…
‘North Of North’s Dogsledding Fetish Sex Scene Is One Of A Kind — And Even Had Star Anna Lambe Feeling “Mortified”

“Unique Dogsledding Sex Scene in ‘North Of North’ Leaves Star Anna Lambe Feeling Embarrassed”

It might be cold in Ice Cove, Nunavut — but North of…
US politics: Who is Hannah Dugan, Milwaukee judge accused of helping undocumented immigrant 'evade arrest'?

Accusations of Milwaukee judge aiding undocumented immigrant to avoid arrest: Who is Hannah Dugan?

Hannah Dugan, the judge from Milwaukee, has gained attention for allegedly assisting…
Bill Maher Confronts Al Gore For Comparing Trump Administration To Nazis On ‘Real Time’

Bill Maher Questions Al Gore for Likening Trump Government to Nazis on ‘Real Time’ Show

During a segment on Real Time, Bill Maher did not shy away…
Reporter's Notebook: From John Paul II to Francis, covering two historic papacies

“Journalist’s Account: Reporting on Two Momentous Papacies, From John Paul II to Francis”

The deaths of two popes, Francis and John Paul II, occurred almost…
Pete Hegseth Brags That Terrorists Have Had a Bad Three Weeks, Signals It’s About to Get a Lot Worse

Hegseth Angers Democrats, Especially Susan Rice, with Advisory Board Decision

You have to hand it to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.  Despite…
Ukraine denies Putin's claim that Russian forces regained Kursk

Ukraine refutes Putin’s assertion of Russian forces recapturing Kursk

The Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertion…
Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft nightmare ends as QB is FINALLY picked by Cleveland Browns after dramatic slide

Shedeur Sanders Breaks NFL Draft Slide with Selection by Cleveland Browns

Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado quarterback, has recently experienced a significant setback during…
The politics of Pope Francis' funeral seating plan revealed: How Donald Trump DID get in the front row after all - while Prince William and Keir Starmer are relegated to the cheap seats

Insights into Pope Francis’ funeral seating arrangement: Donald Trump secures front-row seat, Prince William and Keir Starmer placed in back rows

When Pope Francis passed away, the world’s top leaders and dignitaries placed…
Pope Francis' funeral schedule, what to expect from the Novendiali, a 9-day period of prayer, mourning

People attending Pope Francis’ funeral?

The upcoming funeral for Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on…
Jeopardy Liam Starnes: University of Chicago student and Barrington High School alum blows away game show competition

Liam Starnes from University of Chicago and Barrington High School impresses everyone on Jeopardy with his skills

CHICAGO (WLS) — Liam Starnes of Barrington has been enjoying a winning…
Iran, US begin negotiations over Tehran's advancing nuclear program

Iran and the US start talks regarding Tehran’s progressing nuclear activities

Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. commenced in Oman on the weekend…