Play it safe this Holi
DR. ANUP DHIR
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The plethora of toxins and chemicals present in synthetic colours today can cause a host of problems. Some safeguards you can adopt this year.
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Photo: M. Vedhan
A chemical haze…
Holi was traditionally played by making colours from the flowers blooming at this time of the year and natural coloured extracts from seasonal herbs. The fragrant natural colours also had therapeutic value and were beneficial for our skin and health. The ingredients of Gulal were purposely chosen for their emollient qualities which are far removed from today’s toxic colours.
Harsh chemicals in the Holi colours can cause itching and rash which can lead to eczemas upon scratching, which is the most common type of reaction seen by dermatologists post Holi.
Holi colours, like gulal, have in them organic compounds such as oxides, metal, glass particles, powdered mica and even anelyne which is used in textile dyes as the base. Green has copper sulphate, purple has chromium and bromide compounds, while black has lead oxide. Since such compounds are used raw and not processed, they can be exceedingly dangerous. Equally prone is the hair, which can turn brittle and extremely dry if the Holi colours remain unwashed for a long time. Though no serious damage is done on the roots or scalp, the hair begins to break This happens because of the chemicals in the colours and the dust present outside.
Safeguards
• Use natural/skin friendly and herbal colours or the ones made by reputed companies using natural products.
• Apply a nice layer of oil to your hair before playing Holi and try to protect it with a caps or hat.
• Wear clothes that cover maximum part of your body, Also apply a thick layer of a good quality cream or oil to your skin.
• Use more of red or pink colours, which look good and can be easily taken off. Gaudy purple, green, yellow, orange have more harmful chemicals in them and should be avoided.
• Apply thick coating of paint on your nails, both in fingers and toes so that they remain protected
• If irritation occurs wash off the colour from your that part immediately.
• In case of a minor rash apply soothing calamine lotion.
• Avoid sunlight in case the skin is seriously affected as it will increase the irritation.
• Cleaning the skin and hair finally of all the colours is the most important aspect. Do not rub the skin vigorously with soaps, etc. to wipe the face of gulal but instead, opt for a cleanser. Follow this up with lots of moisturiser, specially one that is meant for sensitive skin. Liberal use of cold cream or a moisturiser is good for the skin.
• Do not use kerosene, Petrol or spirits to remove stains as this will further dry the skin.
• After celebrating Holi, it is important to remove colour and replenish and rejuvenate the skin by using a paste of soyabean flour or besan with milk. A mixture of sea salt, glycerine and few drops of aroma oil have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effect and can take care of the bad effects of chemical colours. To clean use warm water and moisturising soap to scrub off the colours. Using a cream cleanser or baby oil, gently massage off the left over colour.
• In case of any serious injury visit your doctor.
The writer is Senior Cosmetic Surgeonbased in Delhi.
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