Kathmandu

Holi is synonymous with colours. A celebration of victory of good over evil, revellers hurl bright colours and water at one another on this day, making it an occasion of fun and frolic. But if you are not careful enough, these hues of Holi can damage your skin and hair — causing severe complications.

Toxic effects on skin

A celebration without colours is not possible during Holi. What is possible is being extra careful on your colour choices. It is advised to avoid the use of toxic colours during this festive celebration.

“When toxic colours come in direct contact with skin, they can penetrate in the deeper level, causing ‘accidental tattooing’ in skin,” informed Dr Eliz Aryal Rajouria, Consultant Dermatologist at Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Sinamangal. Occurrence of multiple bullae, crusting of skin, puss discharge from skin and lesion are other effects.

“The chemicals and toxins present in colours can lead to long-and short-term health problems. Highly toxic substances present in colours can lead to short term impacts like skin eczema. Those with sensitive skin are prone to allergic skin reaction,” stated Dr Aryal Rajouria. Redness, red bumps, excoriated skin, itchiness and water oozing from skin are some of the symptoms of allergic reactions.

As for the long term effect, lead present in the colour chemicals can cause cancer, as per the doctor. “The lead can have an effect on the growing children too, it can delay their brain functioning,” she informed.

These colours contain mercury too. “Mercury, mostly prevalent in red colour, can cause immediate irritant contact dermatitis. It can further lead to skin cancer,” shared Dr Aryal Rajouria.

The silver colour, that people smear on their faces during the festival contains small particles of silica, another chemical harmful for skin. “These particles can pass through eyes, ear canal and respiratory tract, causing respiratory problems,” the doctor revealed.

Patients with known cases of allergic skin or atopic dermatitis are also vulnerable during the festival because the synthetic colours can cause irritation to skin.

These colours can “aggravate asthma problem in those who are prone to allergies. So, people who are vulnerable to allergies must pay attention when they are playing with colours”.

Take care

Frequent applications of moisturiser on face, neck and exposed body parts, as you play with colours, keeps your skin smooth. And don’t rub skin harshly to get rid of the colours. “Instead apply oil and leave for a few minutes or use lemon juice on your skin, and take a bath,” advised Dr Aryal Rajouria.

It is fun to play with colours, but again, if proper care is not taken, they can have negative impact on your hair as well. The colours are deposited in the roots of hair — “it destroys the hair follicle resulting to fizzy hair, loss of texture and lustre”.

So, before you choose to play with colours, “apply any kind of oil on your hair, tie and cover it with scarf” as per Dr Aryal Rajouria.

Play safe

•    Use natural home-made natural colours

•    Put cotton balls in ears

•    Apply moisturising cream and sunscreen.

•    Wear full-sleeve clothes and scarf

•    Avoid running and jumping on wet floors and on open rooftops

•    Do not throw water balloons

•    Wash your body immediately if there is any burning sensation.

•    Play with plain water

•    Remember not to use harsh soaps to get rid of colours from your skin. Instead use lemon juice.

•    Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day

•    Use petroleum jelly on the sides of eyes to prevent water from entering your eyes.

•    Use transparent nail polish and apply petroleum jelly on nail folds.