Loyola University Health System LogoAs women get ready to purchase their beach ware for fall flair, they should be aware of fashion and beauty trends which could possibly be harmful to their health. Women seem to pay a high price for fashion when it comes to their health. However, certain beauty and fashion trends could perhaps take their toll on women if appropriate steps to correct them are not taken. Atleast this is what a Loyola women’s health specialist says.

Khan seems to refer to large bags or purses, high-heeled shoes, nickel jewelry and acrylic nails. Supposedly, these are few dangerous fashions and beauty trends.

Since, large purses or bags causes strain on the shoulders and neck, they could perhaps be held responsible for back and neck pain. Also, bags weighing more than 10 pounds may be avoided. However, this seems to be tricky for busy moms who take everything from diapers to personal digital assistants (PDAs) inside their purses.

In view of the fact that small purses are made with light material, Khan recommends that women should carry small purses. Or else, they should look for backpacks where weight appears to be evenly distributed across the back and shoulders.

However, women who cannot bear to part with huge bags or purses may perhaps need to include neck, back and shoulder strength-training exercises into their workout routines.

Furthermore, they should regularly rotate the shoulder on which they carry the bag. Additionally, big bags and purses seem to be a target for harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

“Women carry and set their purses down everywhere. Placing a purse on the ground can attract dangerous bugs, so women should regularly clean or wipe their purses to protect themselves and others,” says Dr. Shazia Khan, co-medical director, Loyola Primary Care Center at Oakbrook Terrace, Loyola University Health System (LUHS).

Though high-heeled shoes seem to have been glamorized by Hollywood starlets for years, constantly wearing these stylish stilettos can result into long-term foot, back as well as ankle problems.

Khan further stated that, “High heels put unnecessary pressure on the balls of the feet. This pressure can lead to ailments such as bunions, plantar fasciitis and foot, back and ankle injuries. High heels also may shorten calf muscles and contribute to knee problems.”

Nevertheless, women who insist on wearing high heels should take notice and limit the time they wear them in order to stop long-term injury. Other tips which could possibly be followed include alternating the height of heels in order to prevent the Achilles tendon from tightening and shortening.

Also, one must choose a wider and more stable heel instead of wearing a heel which causes imbalance. While selecting a pair of shoe, one must look for sufficient space for the toes. In addition, one could perhaps wear pointed shoes which taper at the beginning only if the toes feel comfortable. Women should shop for shoes in the evening in order to accommodate the foot’s usual swelling.

Hypersensitivity to the nickel in imitation jewelry seems to cause a chronic itchy, red-skin reaction. Supposedly, this is an allergic response which is generally referred to as nickel dermatitis or contact dermatitis. While dermatologists could possibly offer treatments for this allergy, these treatments are typically only effective for a short time.

People who are extremely sensitive to nickel may require to have their jewelry lacquered, coated or plated with palladium in order to protect the direct contact of nickel with the bare skin. An additional option would be to strictly wear stainless steel, platinum, or gold jewelry.

“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,” elucidates Khan.

Few women tend towards acrylic nails in order to cover brittle nails which break frequently. However, applying acrylics seems to have various risks involved in it when an acrylic nail is applied to the natural nail surface, minor trauma to the acrylic nail could perhaps lead to separation of the nail from its nail bed.

Khan claimed that these trends could have genuine, long-term health implications. Thus using these tips may allow women to remain fashion forward without causing harm to their health. He concluded that women could now discover ways to be stylish without compromising their health.