If you are planning to enjoy the festival of colours, then it is very important to know what type of colours you should use or steps you should take to prevent any respiratory, skin or eye related problems, caution the doctors.
“Proper eye care is a must as use of synthetic colours and ignorance regarding safety measures can lead to serious consequences. People enjoy throwing colors on each other while celebrating the festival of colors, but we need to be cautious, especially when it comes to eye care, as it is one of the most vital organs in the human body,” said Dr Tushar Grover, Medical Director, Vision Eye Centre.
“Synthetic colours that are used in Holi may contain heavy metals which may cause corneal abrasions, infections and also severe chemical burns in the eye. It is best to avoid such colors. Eyes need extra care during Holi, so always try to protect your eyes by wearing eyeglasses or protective eye wear. Another important thing I would advise is to try not to wear contact lenses as color may get trapped on the surface of the lens, which may lead to chemical injuries and increase the risk of infection,” said Dr Grover.
Dr Vikas Mittal, senior pulmonologist, Max Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, Delhi said that as Holi comes at a time when there is a changing season, pollen grains are in the air and Asthma exacerbations can happen around this time. One must continue taking all prescribed medications and consult a doctor prior to Holi.”
Doctors also advise avoiding water balloons as they put an individual at a high risk of severe sight-threatening eye injuries such as corneal tears, traumatic cataract and glaucoma, as well as the risk of retinal detachment. Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda, shared herbal tips to ensure that Holi colours do not become a bane for the player. “A day before Holi, apply mustard oil all over your body. Apply generously over the face, hands and legs as these are exposed areas where colour will be thrown. This will keep your skin protected and also allow you to remove the colours with ease,” he said. To prevent colours from penetrating deep into the hair roots, one should apply plenty of coconut oil while alternatively one can also use a lotion, he said.Also, in case a person observes rashes on the skin due to Holi colors, it is best to use face wash instead of soap to remove it, said Dr Chauhan.