Everyday Fashion That Can Damage Your Health

Tap to Read ➤ Niharika Arya

Who doesn't want to look fashionable, but fashion at the cost of one's health is not acceptable. There are a few things that you use in your everyday life which you think are safe, but are not.

"A heavy bag may cause the shoulder and upper back to bend forward, possibly increasing stress to the neck and lower back. If carrying a heavy bag regularly is unavoidable, switch shoulders periodically, to more evenly distribute the stress." ― Dr. David Geier, Orthopedic Surgeon and Director of Sports Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)

Being trendy and wearing the 'in' thing in this fashion-conscious world has almost become a necessity. But do you know, some fashion trends may be harmful for your body. Fashionable clothes and accessories might make you look smarter, trendier, and can even make you feel better, but some of these can be unhealthy, inflict pain, and can even seriously affect certain parts of your body. Let us find out some of these fashion items which are used everyday, but are very harmful for the body.

Clothing

Skinny jeans

Skinny jeans have become mainstream fashion, and every girl wants to wear one to look peppy.

But doctors recommend against wearing these pants, as they can cause nerve compression. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which runs down the thigh, and aids physical sensations like touch and pain, is compressed due to skinny jeans, and causes pain and numbness.

Tight and Lacy Undergarments

Sleeping with tight undergarments, especially brassieres, may hamper your sleep. According to a study conducted by the Department of Environmental Health at Nara Women's University, the pressure of the bras suppresses the production of melatonin, which adversely affects your sleep, and can make you ill.

Synthetic and lacy panties can cause irritation, which may lead to infection. If these undergarments are worn under skinny jeans then the chances of yeast infection increase.

Neckties

Though considered professional, neckties can actually increase the risk of glaucoma which is one of the most common eye disease in the world, and may even cause blindness if left untreated.

Compression Undergarments

Compression undergarments which are usually worn to contain and compress a bulging tummy are actually not good for health.

"Tight garments on the lower abdominal region and the upper thigh can cause a condition called meralgia paresthetica, irritation of the nerves in the front and outer thigh," says Orly Avitzur, MD, neurologist and medical adviser to Consumer Reports, who practices in Carmel, N.Y.

Footwear

High Heels or Stilettoes

High heels have always been a powerful style statement for women around the world. Wearing high heels no doubt makes them look sexier, but high heels can also cause a lot of harm to a woman's feet. When you wear high heels or stilettos, it increases the pressure on your forefoot, and stretches the Achilles tendon.

Prolonged use of these types of shoes results in pain, and may even cause bone deformity.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots harm the feet in the similar way as high-heels or stilettos.

The rest of the boot which extends to the knees or above the knee may cause nerve damage.

The tight, non-stretchable material of the boots harms the nerves of the legs, causing a tingling and burning sensation; and it may also affect blood circulation.

Flip-flops, Ballet Flats and Flat Boots

We all think flip-flops, ballet flats or flat boots are among the most comfortable footwear, and are better than high heels. But do you know, these flat shoes can cause plantar fasciitis, tendon problems, and ankle sprain.

All these shoes lack support which causes imbalance, and may lead to foot pain.

Accessories

Artificial Eyelashes

Artificial eyelashes make your eyes more attractive, and this is the reason some women love to wear them all the time. Overuse of artificial lashes may not be good for your natural eyelashes. The glue used to make the artificial lashes stick to your eyelids, may cause damage to the natural lashes.

This may result in the breakage of the lashes which may cause thinning of the lashes.

Dark Sunglasses

No doubt sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful radiation of the Sun, but the extremely dark shades void of any UV protection, are actually harmful for the eyes. Dark shades dilate the pupils, and if they are not UV protected, the UV rays directly enter the eyes, and may cause severe damage.

So, if your sunglasses are dark, make sure they are UV protected.

Metal Jewelry

The compound in the jewelry may cause severe allergic reaction in many people. Nickel is considered to be a major culprit behind skin reactions.

So, people sensitive to a particular metal should take extra care while buying one.

Tight Finger Ring

Rings are very commonly worn by people. But tight rings may result in poor circulation of blood in the fingers. This may lead to numbness and discomfort.

Remove the rings after every 2 to 3 hours, and let your fingers breathe.

Tight Headgear or Headbands

Tight headgear may compress your head which may lead to headache. Pulling hair back in a tight headband may cause strain on the scalp, which may lead to pain and hair breakage.

Contact Lenses

Non-prescribed contact lenses which people wear just to look cool can damage your eyes. Inquire about the lens material and its safety before buying a pair.

Piercings

Piercings are a fairly common fashion statement, but they are not very good for our body. Among the external piercings, navel piercing poses the greatest risk of infection.

Internal piercings such as tongue and genital piercing are also very prone to infection.

In rare cases when the infection is not treated in time, it may spread to the brain and cause brain abscess. It may even cause endocarditis (an infection of the inner lining of the heart).

So, these were some of the fashion articles which can be harmful for your health. I know many of you out there love to wear the in-things when it comes to fashion, but achieving 'the' look at the cost of your health is not a good option. So, if you love wearing these fashionable stuff and cannot avoid them, then at least avoid wearing them for a prolonged period of time. Instead find other alternatives that will still make you look amazing, without causing harm to your health.