The festival of colour can be best enjoyed with some caution while using colours to ensure that there is no risk of permanently damaging eyes, skin or hair. This is especially true in the case of children, say city doctors.
Avoid synthetic colours
“Chemical colours can irritate the skin by causing itching, rashes, swelling and aggravated eczema. Colour can compromise the eyesight resulting in severe irritation, redness, watering and itching. The scalp can get affected, leading to hair damage and hair fall. One should avoid playing with chemical colours and celebrate Holi by using traditional colours made from spring flowers and herbs [organic colours],” said Dr. Naresh Bhargava, senior consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital Shalimar Bagh.
Doctors say that people should avoid using synthetic colours as they contain heavy metals like lead, which can cause red eye, chemical burn or corneal abrasion. Green synthetic colour used during Holi can cause fleeting blindness. Shining ‘mica’ particles in the red synthetic colour can damage the cornea. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from misfires of colour-filled darts or water jets.
“Avoid using contact lenses as the colour may get trapped between the lenses and result in eye infection. The lenses may also be of no use any more,” said Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, senior ophthalmology consultant, Fortis Memorial Institute, Gurugram.
“Staying hydrated is vital. Drinking enough amount of water before and after playing Holi would be a good idea. Instead of tea and coffee, fill your stomach with coconut water, lemon water, soup and fruits. “Follow a diet which is low in sugar and fat but rich in protein, complex carbohydrate and fibre,” advise doctors.
Dr. Sanjay Sarup, senior orthopaedics consultant, Tattvan eClinics, said, “It is our responsibility to celebrate the festival with a little care in mind. Do not splash water on slippery places. Play in gardens where water can be absorbed easily and no one slips causing injury. People should not drink and drive, do not throw balloons on motorcyclists as it may lead to accidents”
