While women are all set to bid adieu to their summer wear, and get ready to shop for the latest fashion gear for fall, experts have advised them to be aware of fashion and beauty trends that may be harmful to their health. Shazia Khan, co-medical director, Loyola Primary Care Center at Oakbrook Terrace, Loyola University Health System (LUHS), has cited many dangerous fashion and beauty trends that include large bags or purses, high-heeled shoes, nickel jewellery and acrylic nails.
"Women can pay a high price for fashion when it comes to their health. Certain beauty and fashion trends can take their toll, if women do not take steps to correct them," she said.
The harmful fashion trends and their effects on health are as follows:
Bags Large purses or bags may be to blame for back and neck pain, because they place a strain on the shoulders and neck. Avoid bags that weigh more than 10 pounds. Khan has recommended that women should look for small purses made with light material or backpacks where weight is distributed evenly across the back and shoulders.
If women cannot bear to part with oversized bags or purses, they should incorporate neck, back and shoulder strength-training exercises into their workout routines. They also should regularly rotate the shoulder on which they carry the bag.
Big bags and purses also are a target for harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
High Heels Continuously using the stylish stilettos can lead to long-term foot, back and ankle problems. Women who insist on wearing high heels should take heed and limit the time they wear them to prevent long-term damage.
Other than that women should alternate the height of heels in order to prevent the Achilles tendon from tightening and shortening. They should choose a wider, more stable heel and never wear a heel that causes imbalance.
Choose a shoe that allows ample room for the toes and only wear pointed toes that narrow well past the ball of the foot. And always go shoe shopping at the end of the day to allow for normal daily swelling.
Jewellery Hypersensitivity to the nickel in jewellery can cause a chronic itchy, red-skin reaction.
People who are highly sensitive to nickel should have their jewellery lacquered, coated or plated with palladium to protect the direct contact of nickel with the bare skin. Another option is to strictly wear stainless steel, platinum, or gold jewellery.
Acrylic Nails When an acrylic nail is applied to the natural nail surface, minor trauma to the acrylic nail can cause separation of the nail from its nail bed.
"Acrylic nails allow bacteria and fungus to enter the nail area, which can lead to infection. A better option would be to take care of the original nail through moisturizing and strengthening polish," said Khan.
She concluded that women could find ways to be stylish without compromising their health.
"These trends can have legitimate, long-term health ramifications. Using these tips will allow women to remain fashion forward without jeopardizing their health down the road," said Khan.