A health freak guide will describe Holi as the dance of colourful chemicals. Technically speaking, Holi means smearing your faces with Lead oxide or Aluminium bromide

No matter whatever prevention you take pre-Holi, you are destined to face the wrath of the tough chemicals in your face and hair.

Holi colours are prepared from harmful substances like acids, mica, glass powder and alkalis. These chemicals are quite capable of causing serious skin complications and allergies. Often artificial colours can lead to skin allergies, irritation, redness, rashes, itching and bumps.

Implication of chemicals used in Holi colours

·         Mercury sulphite, used to make red colour, and can lead to skin cancer.

·         Copper sulphate, used to make green colour, can cause eye allergy and temporary blindness

·         Lead Oxide, a chemical commonly used to make black colour, can lead to renal failure and learning disabilities.

·         Chromium iodide, the main component in purple colour, can cause bronchial asthma.

·         Aluminium bromide is the main component used to make silver colour, it is known to be carcinogenic (leading to cancer)

Allergies caused due to Holi colours:

1.   Eczema:  It is an allergic condition, in which the skin becomes scaly and inflamed. Flaking and blisters that leads to severe itching.

2.   Dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is another common allergy that occurs due to Holi colours. It causes severe itching, pain and blistering.

3.Rhinitis: Is an allergic reaction that causes an inflammation of the nasal membrane.

4.Asthma: Artificial colours can cause severe damage to your airways. In this condition, one experiences breathing difficulty and breath shortness.

5. Pneumonitis: An allergic condition that occurs due to inhalation of chemically treated colours.

If you are in a position where you feel any of the above allergic reactions or are hurt while playing Holi, here are a few first-aid tips you should know about:

Colour in the eyes: If colour enters your eyes, the first thing you should do is to wash the eye thoroughly, with fresh clean water. If you experience burning, redness of the eyes, pricking sensation or change in the quality of your vision, consult your doctor immediately.

Colour in the mouth: Rinse your mouth with fresh water. You could also drink some warm water and induce vomiting if too much colour has been ingested.

If colour is inhaled: If you inhale colour, make sure you immediately splash water into your nose and blow out. This will help to remove any colour attached to the walls of your nostril. Then lie down in an open space with fresh air and breathe. In case you suffer an allergic reaction and are unable to breathe, use an inhaler and rush to the hospital as soon as possible. Do not drink water, this can cause further suffocation