Some people sneeze when plucking their eyebrows due to nerve endings being irritated and likely irritating the nasal nerve which alerts the brain that it needs to sneeze

Some people sneeze when plucking their eyebrows

Have you ever noticed someone sneezing when they pluck their eyebrows? It might seem like a strange reaction, but there is a scientific explanation behind it. The act of plucking eyebrows can stimulate nerve endings, which in turn can irritate the nasal nerve and trigger a sneeze response. This phenomenon is known as the “photic sneeze reflex” or “ACHOO syndrome.”

When a person plucks their eyebrows, the nerve endings in the area can become irritated. These nerve endings are connected to various parts of the face, including the nasal nerve. When the nerve endings are irritated, they send signals to the brain, which interprets this as a need to sneeze. This reaction is similar to how other stimuli, such as bright light, can also trigger sneezing in some individuals.

The exact reason why some people experience this sneezing reflex when plucking their eyebrows is still not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a genetic trait, with studies suggesting that certain individuals may be more prone to this reflex than others. This reflex is estimated to affect about 18-35% of the population.

The scientific term for this reflex is “photic sneeze reflex” because it is often triggered by exposure to bright light. The acronym ACHOO stands for Autosomal Dominant Compelling Helio-Ophthalmic Outburst syndrome, highlighting the genetic component of this reflex.

It’s important to note that not everyone experiences this reflex, and it can vary in intensity among those who do. Some individuals might sneeze once or twice, while others might have a more pronounced response with multiple sneezes.

If you are one of those individuals who find themselves sneezing while plucking their eyebrows, there are a few things you can do to manage this reflex. One option is to try holding your breath as you pluck to see if that suppresses the sneezing response. Another approach is to pluck in a well-lit area to avoid sudden exposure to bright light, which can trigger sneezing for some people.

Although this reflex can be surprising or even inconvenient at times, it is generally harmless and not a cause for concern. Understanding the underlying science can help individuals feel more at ease if they experience this reflex while grooming their eyebrows.

To learn more about the sneezing reflex and other interesting biological mysteries, visit the Library of Congress website.

So next time you or someone you know sneezes while plucking their eyebrows, remember that it’s just a reaction caused by nerve endings being irritated and likely irritating the nasal nerve, which alerts the brain that it needs to sneeze.