Kerry Katona says she won’t get drug-damaged nose fixed for tragic reason

Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.

Kerry Katona has explained why she doesn't want to have further surgery on her 'fragile, drug-damaged nose'.

The TV personality, known for for appearing on various reality shows like I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here and Celebrity Big Brother, has opened up about the effect years of drug abuse had on her health.

In a recent interview with The Sun, the mother-of-five said she was first introduced to drugs by her mum at the age of 14.

Taking cocaine became a regular occurrence whilst growing up on a council flat in Warrington.

“For me it wasn’t the addiction, it was the people I was surrounded by,” she said.

Kerry has explained why she won't get anymore surgery on her nose. (Pall Mall Medical)

“It’s like being in a tribe, every time you try to better yourself, they pull you back.

“You’ve got to remember, I was brought up with thieves and druggies. We were rough as f**k – we were bad.

“Every time I tried to better myself, I was still around these people, and my mum was my universe.

“They drag you back down because your progress reminds them they’re not going to change, and they hate watching you succeed.”

Although she underwent surgery last year to help manage a hole in her nose, Kerry insists that she doesn't want to get it fully fixed to remind her kids about the dangers of drugs.

Surgeons used a piece of her rib to stabilise her nose, but warned her that the hole in her septum may never fully heal.

Kerry has five children and revealed she won't get the surgery to serve as a reminder to her kids the damage drugs can do. (Instagram/@kerrykatona7)

“My kids know about my mistakes, and about the drugs,” the former singer said.

“I even have a hole in my nose that I refuse to get fixed, and I’ve shown it to my children, because for me it was a reminder that if I put another line of coke up my nose, it could collapse.

“I didn’t want to get it fixed because I wanted to make sure I never went down that path again – and I know I never will.”

According to the UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT), the term 'coke nose' refers to nasal problems from snorting cocaine, which restricts blood flow to nasal tissues.

Kerry Katona has featured on some of the UK's most popular reality TV shows. (Hoda Davaine/Contributor)

Symptoms include nasal congestion, nosebleeds, nasal pain, loss of smell and scabbing.

"Preventing 'coke nose' involves harm reduction, medical intervention, and, ideally, cessation of use," the UKAT said.

"Harm reduction strategies include minimising use, staying hydrated, using saline nasal sprays and lubricants, avoiding sharing snorting devices, and ensuring a clean environment."

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can talk to FRANK. You can call 0300 123 6600, text 82111 or contact through their website 24/7, or livechat from 2pm-6pm any day of the week