How to play safe this Holi

Meghna Dutt, 20, a student at Delhi University, was harrowed after her skin erupted into massive blisters after playing Holi. "My friends had used grease and other chemical colours which led to eczema. The skin became inflamed and itched badly. Besides that, the skin also had blisters and extreme flaking," she said.

Use of hazardous colours while playing Holi can prove disastrous. They go on to damage skin and hair.

Doctors say that use of toxic chemicals like engine oil, diesel, or even acids or glass powder could lead to the eruption of many skin problems after Holi. Some colours are highly toxic and can even cause cancer. "People who handle colour or play Holi often complain of conjunctivitis, visual impairment, asthma, and severe skin reactions," said Dr Vikas Goswami, oncologist from Fortis Hospital, Delhi.

Phototoxicity can be very severe and is caused when toxic colours coupled with ultraviolet rays of the sun attack the skin.

"Chemicals like rhodamine B are used to develop pink colour, red is obtained from mercury sulphite, and purple is obtained from chromium iodide. Many people ask for dark colours that stay longer on the skin, and the industrial chemicals present in these can cause serious diseases like skin cancer," adds Dr Goswami.

"Many a time, harmful chemicals penetrate the skin layer easily, so it's always good to moisturise your skin well with oil, especially before you start playing, as it prevents chemical accumulation," said Dr Karuna Malhotra, a leading cosmetologist in New Delhi.

Also, an overdose of bhang in the festive spirit can lead to serious health complications.

"Bhang is an intoxicant which makes you drowsy. Its consumption can result in high BP, increased heart rate, it can also affect the nervous system and brain, or your foetus, if pregnant," said Dr Shobha Gupta, gynecologist and IVF specialist from Mother's Lap IVF Centre.

Pregnant women are advised to refrain from playing Holi. "Some colours are even carcinogenic. So, lactating mothers should practice the same caution as pregnant women. Use of colours which contain lead could cause a pregnant woman to have a premature baby, low weight birth, and miscarriage. It can also affect the nervous and reproductive system," said Dr Gupta.