Love them or loathe them, but jeggings - leggings made to look like super-tight denims - are a high-street fashion trend that just doesn't seem to be going away. Not just yet, anyway. But experts in the US are warning they could lead to an increase in irritating yeast infections.
Flickr, iferneinez
If you think that sounds gross, you'd probably be right. The most common type of yeast infection is thrush. And anyone who's ever had thrush knows how uncomfortable and embarrassing it is. But why do jeggings cause it?
It's exactly because they're so tight, say experts. The lack of air circulating around the crotch creates the perfect breeding ground for yeast to flourish. And that can lead to the typical itching and burning sensation of an infection.
To be fair, it's not just jeggings that can cause thrush but any kind of tight clothing such as super-skinny jeans and ordinary leggings. If you wear them all day, every day, you're asking for trouble, say experts. So to avoid the dreaded thrush, alternative between tight and loose trousers (or better still, a dress or skirt).
What then should you do if you find yourself with a nasty episode of thrush? Thankfully there are creams and tablets available from pharmacies that are highly effective at dealing with it. You could also top up your 'good' bacteria by eating bio yoghurts or those little probiotic drinks, which nutritionists believe may help counteract the bacteria involved in causing thrush.
Has your health ever suffered in the name of fashion?