Core Tip: As a cold wave hits and the temperature plummets, it's common to see many young women on the streets wearing short skirts, silk stockings, and long boots. While this attire is beautiful and fashionable, it poses significant health risks, with the following three being the most common.
1. Rheumatoid Arthritis
"The cold winter weather can easily lead to rheumatoid arthritis for those who dress lightly," an orthopedic expert emphasizes. This is because dressing lightly makes one susceptible to catching colds, especially for those with weaker constitutions. People who frequently catch colds often experience a weakened immune system, which can lead to upper respiratory tract infections, fevers, tonsillitis, and other autoimmune diseases. This can result in migratory joint pain, where the pain shifts from the legs to the arms, and in severe cases, can even lead to rheumatic heart disease. Additionally, it may trigger rheumatoid arthritis, causing joints to become swollen, stiff, and even deformed.
2. Chilblains
The 'short skirt + long boots' combination may seem to cover the legs thoroughly, but cold air can still seep through the gaps in the clothing, irritating the skin and causing poor blood circulation in the lower limb veins, which easily leads to chilblains. Experts point out that chilblains are more common in children, women, and individuals with poor peripheral circulation. They typically appear on the extremities such as fingers, the backs of hands, toes, and heels, manifesting as red, bean-sized lumps. Furthermore, this style of dress can also cause "cold panniculitis," a condition that is often mistaken for chilblains.
Unlike chilblains, people with this condition develop patches of bruising on their legs or arms, accompanied by almond-sized lumps with distinct pain and itching. Mild cases can be treated with external applications of a hot water bottle or warm towel until healed, while severe cases require prompt medical attention.
3. Menstrual Pain
Women are highly sensitive to temperature, and prioritizing style over warmth often directly results in menstrual pain. Moreover, poor blood circulation in the lower limbs can cause blood stasis, which is extremely detrimental to women's health.
Therefore, it is crucial to pay special attention to keeping the neck, abdomen, and legs warm during the winter. It is advisable not to wear short skirts and long boots every day. If you do choose to wear them, opt for thicker woolen or tweed fabrics that extend at least to the calf. It is best not to wear silk stockings on bare legs; instead, wear well-insulated thermal underwear underneath. Long boots should not be worn for extended periods; switch to regular winter shoes every other day. Socks should preferably be made of pure cotton to effectively prevent chilblains. Additionally, keeping the neck warm can help prevent cervical spondylosis, so don't forget to wear a scarf when going out.