‘Take precautions while playing with colours’

‘Take precautions while playing with colours’

PUNE: Holi may not turn out to be a happy occasion for revellers as they may suffer from adverse effects of colours such as trouble in breathing, skin rashes and eye irritation.

Dr Rasika Thakur, Cornea Consultant, HV Desai Eye Hospital, said there seems to be demand for darker and long-lasting colours, which may contain harmful chemicals.

“Exposure to these chemicals can result in eye irritation, blindness and conjunctivitis. Eyes can be harmed because of synthetic colours containing chemicals can cause temporary blindness, which can last a few minutes or a few hours depending on how soon the treatment is started. In such a situation, it is advisable to splash cold water in eyes and seek professional advice as soon as possible,” said Dr Thakur. 

She added that the best thing is to avoid synthetic colours and opt for natural colours.

PRECAUTIONS FOR THE SKIN
Speaking on the precautions that need to be taken, Dr Nisha Parikh, Dermatologist, Inamdar Multispecialty Hospital, said that the first and foremost thing is to ensure that synthetic colours are avoided and natural colours are used.

“Artificial colours contain inflammatory causing particles, which cause oxidative damage to cells inside our body. Skin is affected with redness, itching while hair may become brittle in some cases. If artificial colours contain harmful chemicals, they may also cause cancer in worst cases,” said Dr Parikh.

Dr Vikas Mantole, Dermatologist, Inamdar Hospital, said, “Applying oil from head to toe, especially to exposed body parts and skin folds behind the ears, underarms and groins, wearing full sleeves polo neck shirt and pants, sunglasses for eyes, wearing material, which doesn’t absorb colours, applying oil to the hair can go a long way.” 

“After playing, washing colour with running water for 5-10 minutes, using a soap-free cleanser, mild shampoo is advised. Don’t scrub or rub the skin to remove the colour. If some colour remains, let it get washed out gradually over a period of time,” he said.

BREATHING ISSUES
Dr Pratibha Walde, Consultant Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Pune, said that their hospital receives around five to 10 patients in the OPD just after Holi with complaints of breathing issues, skin irritations and rashes.

“Asthma patients should follow the medication regime for a week in the run-up to the festival. While playing with colours, be careful that you do not inhale them. One should also apply a thick layer of cream or lotion to ensure that the colour does not stick to the skin or bruise it. Whether dry or wet, if anything goes into the eyes during Holi, make sure a lot of fresh water is splashed to wash away the irritant,” said Dr Walde.

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