Dr Rinky Kapoor
Holi is a festival of fun and frolic. A festival celebrated with plenty of colours and zeal, the tradition is to wish a happy Holi by smearing or sprinkling colours each other. Till a few decades ago the Holi colours were derived from natural sources like dry or fresh flowers and leaves, etc. Even sandalwood paste, saffron, turmeric, henna and fuller’s earth were also used to play Holi.
However, with changing times and quick-fix solutions came industrial colours that rapidly replaced the natural ones as these were cheaper options available easily. These colours are inexpensive dyes made using various chemical processes and include a variety of harmful compounds such as malachite green, auramine, methyl violet, copper sulphate, aluminium bromide, prussian blue and cobalt nitrate. Mixed with starch or wheat flour and mica dust, the colours are disastrous for the skin as these increase chances of allergies and infections even in otherwise healthy skin textures.
As a result, Holi can cause various skin and other allergies and inflammation. These problems characteristically present themselves during or few days after Holi and the condition is also popularly known as Holi dermatoses. Those who have had allergies in the past, here’s a quick lowdown on the harms of using chemical colours, the best cure for the resulting conditions and a guide to keep skin safe and healthy.
Symptoms
Holi dermatoses can manifest itself in various forms:
The face is the most commonly affected because this is where the colours are mostly applied. Hands are also commonly affected as again these are most used in mixing and handling of colours. Other common areas include the scalp, forearms, neck and thighs.
Rubbing hands vigorously or on the face and scalp to rub in the colours can cause tiny abrasions on the skin leading to infections and inflammations as dermatoses are usually related to the irritant, allergic contact and mechanical factors.
Treatment
Itching, burning, and other unpleasant sensations or reactions on the skin should be treated immediately. Wash off any colour or paint on the skin instantly with cold water and visit a dermatologist to get the right treatment. Various treatments that the doctor might suggest can include:
Prevention
Some precautions observed beforehand can go a long way to prevent the onset and aggravation of such skin conditions.
Post-Holi care
Once the festivities are over, here are some suggestions for skin care:
Follow these simple tips to keep your skin safe and enjoy Holi.
—The writer is consultant dermatologist, at The Esthetic Clinics & Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai.
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