Beware: These style trends are hazardous to health

Extra-large handbags, high heels and costume jewellery may all be the latest fashionable rage, but have you ever stopped to think that they can translate into shoulder pain, back aches and allergies? Here, we outline a few of the latest style trends that are hazardous to your health.

You may laugh at this one, but yes, skinny jeans can pose a risk to your wellbeing. How? That unpleasant tingle you feel occasionally in your thighs is actually cutting into a nerve. And extra-tight pants can also lead to blood clots, bladder and yeast infections, not to mention how a pinched in waist can wreak havoc on your digestive system.

Yes, yes, you know all about how harmful high heels are, right? But we're still going to outline the many health complications they can create:

Also, ensure the toe of the shoe is wide enough to accomodate your tootsies, or cramps and swelling will only add to the misery of standing around.

Fashionable frames come and go -- one day it's aviators, the next it's large retros. And the style-conscious fashionista is always changing with the seasons. But in this case, don't take a shortcut and buy just any pair to fit in with the look of the minute. Sunglasses with defective lenses will fail to protect you from the damaging UV rays of the sun and in addition, they will do some damage of their own -- nausea, dizziness and headaches are some unpleasant side-effects that can creep up on you with a cheap pair of glares. And the exposure to UV rays can lead in later age to cataract, macular degeneration and even retinal or some other form of eye cancer.

Cheap metal accessories look great, but they're not always the safest option for an individual. The truth of the matter is that most costume jewellery contains some form of nickel or the other and as many as one in seven people may be allergic to the metal. So now you know that those who claim they break out in allegies or develop severe reactions to any jewellery they wear other than gold are not just spinning a yarn. Stick to stainless steel or then precious metals like silver and gold.

Young women have taken a big shine to acrylic nails and hair extensions lately, but each of these seeming shortcuts to glam come with their own set of hazards. Acrylic nails, for instance, allow bacteria and fungi to enter and breed in the nail area, leading to infections. Also, they are removed using acetonitrile, a toxic chemical known to cause respiratory irritation.

As for hair extensions, the glue used to fasten them on can burn and split your own natural hair. What's more, if the extensions are super-long or heavy, they add pressure to your scalp and may lead to hairloss. A few people have also been known to have allergic reactions to the chemicals used to fasten hair extensions.

Bet you didn't see this one coming! Just as heels can harm your health, extra-flat shoes that don't insulate your feet are also not recommended. At the moment, gladiator sandals, thongs and the like are very 'in', so here's a heads up -- extra-flat footwear can strain the achilles tendon and your calf muscles. You need shoes to support your heel and provide shock absorption up to an extent. Even a sole that's an inch thick can make a difference, preferably one that is slightly arched to mold into the arch of your foot.