Go herbal to ensure a safe & colourful Holi

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 18

In view of the chemicals being used in Holi colours, which cause respiratory or dermal problems, doctors call for celebrating the festival with dry colours or traditional methods of playing with turmeric or colours made with flowers.

Doctors said due to awareness among people, use of chemicals in colours has lessened, but the threat continues. Earlier, harmful crude chemical, mica, was used in colours, which was dangerous. Now, it was less prevalent.

“Use of chemicals has come down as compared to previous years. Dry colours should be used to play safe Holi as wet colours can harm eyes or skin. Throwing eggs can cause injuries. Mud should also not be used during Holi celebrations. If it enters eyes or mouth, it may lead to serious health issues,” said Dr GP Thami, Head, Skin Department, GMCH-32, here.

Thami said they receive about 10-15 cases related to skin problems after Holi. He advocated the use of natural/herbal colours.

“Avoid using dye colours. There are several colours in the market that may have a toxic effect. Even if one uses oil before playing Holi, skin absorbs colours. Playing Holi with traditional ways like using turmeric or colours made from flowers at home are the best,” said Ravindra Khaiwal, Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGI.

While eating ‘gujiya’ or drinking water or cold drink on Holi, people sometimes tend to inhale colours too. This may lead to kidney, heart, lungs or abdominal problems.

“People should also be made aware of chest problems due to unholy colours of Holi. Lung injury is caused both by the physical i.e. powdery nature of the substance as well as heavy metals, chemicals and hydrocarbons that go into the preparation of these colours,” shared Dr Romi Singla.

Dos 

• Use coconut oil on skin before playing Holi 
• Do proper oiling of hair 
• Use conditioner on hair after playing colours
• Cover yourself as much as possible 
• Use dry colours 
• Use colours made from plants
• If colour enters eyes, immediately wash it with plain water repeatedly and then take doctor’s advice

Don’ts 

• Avoid sitting in the sun after playing colours
• Eat or drink after washing hands or removing colours
• Do not play with eggs, mud, black ink