Ludhiana, March 5
City residents are all set to let their hair down on Holi and participate fully in the fun and frolic associated with it. But there are also those who lock themselves up in their homes and avoid visitors who may come calling to celebrate Holi with them. Their reason could be some bitter experience of the past.
Health-conscious people are scared of harmful chemical colours, and rightly so, that are available in the market. These can cause many problems.
Skin specialists in the city say that a number of natural products available are a good substitute to the harmful toxic chemicals.
Dr Alka Dogra, head of the Dermatology Department of Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, says toxic chemical colours can be very harmful to skin, hair and eyes. These should be avoided. “The chemicals that go into these colours cause irritation, dermatitis marked by oedema, vesiculation, oozing, redness, contact allergy, etc. Skin is a delicate protective wrap. To protect it, we can make colours from turmeric powder (yellow), beetroot (red) and henna leaves (green), which are not only safe but also good for skin, Dr Dogra suggests.
Dr Deepinder Singh, Reader, Lord Mahavira Homoeopathic Medical College, says the festival of happiness was celebrated in the ancient times with gulal, haldi, kesar, milk, etc. “Though colours are put on each other in good faith, our skin does not take it in the festive spirit. The effects of the chemical colours can be countered to an extent by using a moisturiser on the face and body, putting oil in hair, etc. Greasy substances hinder colour absorption. If possible, use water-based colours,” he says.
Dr Dogra also suggests that playing Holi with flower extracts could be very refreshing. Rose, hibiscus and marigold flowers give colour as well as fragrance. If one can afford natural products, there is nothing like it. “The rush at skin OPDs after Holi increases. Harmful colours start telling upon the skin within 24 hours. The use of lead, ink, grease, copper sulphate, etc, on skin has harmful effects,” says Dr Dogra.
Dr Emy Thomas, in charge of the Skin Department, Christian Medical College and Hospital, says colours should not contain coarse particles and should be inert. “Producers use dyes in colours, which are harmful to skin and hair texture.
Such colours can cause pigmentation and urticaria. Those suffering from acne are the worst affected,” the physician adds.
