We have heard about toxic toys, poisonous purses and now get ready for dangerous duds - skinny jeans.
Apparently donning too-tight jeans may pinch a thigh nerve, causing pain and irritation. Some women describe a sensation similar to your foot falling asleep. The skin tight jeans are apparently causing bouts of a condition called meralgia paresthetica, or "tingling thigh syndrome."
I think the pants are also causing another condition, "Ego Gigantica." Some people have nice bottoms and thighs and love to show them off, even if it hurts.
But hey, I'm not tossing stones here. Who among us haven't worn shoes that were too tight but looked too good to give up? Or how many former high school athletes have we seen walking around town wearing old jerseys that can barely contain the weight gained since school. That's right, men and women alike are guilty of letting vanity dictate personal fashion choices.
Let's not even get started on the too-baggy jeans style. Loose pants may not numb your limbs, but they overexpose the rest of to your underwear selections. And that can bring on icky feelings.
But before you laugh off skinny-jean-idous, keep in mind the condition is also suffered by everyday work heroes like cops and construction workers who are forced to wear heavy, low-slung belts. Mothers-to-be and those suffering from obesity are also common victims.
Is this a big concern? Perhaps not. I think the real tragedy in jean fashion these days has a lot more to do with those willing to fork out hundreds of dollars for a pair of denims that are faded and ripped just because they have the "right" expensive label. If you're willing to do that - especially when your budget is tighter than the jeans - you may want to seek professional financial help.
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(c) 2009, Sun Sentinel. Distributed by Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.