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.
AT A GLANCE
Skin care tips
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Stay hydrated and oil your hair, ears, earlobes and nails with coconut and olive oil.
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Apply toner on your face to close the pores to prevent any breakout problems.
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Wear waterproof sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or more before stepping out
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Avoid sitting in the hot sun with colours on your face and body
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Use safe colours of natural products like rose petals, besan, or palak. This will ensure adequate eye care.
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Use more of red or pink colours, which can easily be taken off. Gaudy ones like purple, green, yellow, and orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.
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Do not bleach, shave, wax, or go for facials or clean ups the following week. Give your skin and body some time to recover from the damage.
