Holi, the festival of colours, is around the corner, and like every year, the environment around us is filled with excitement and joy. While, as we embrace the soothing weather of the spring season and prepare ourselves for Holi 2025, we also need to be aware of the substandard or harmful Holi powders that can turn the festival into a health hazard.?
All the Holi colours sold in the market are not good for your skin or health. Some are risks associated with fake colours. ¡°It is a known fact that many colours used during Holi are loaded with harmful chemicals and may give a tough time to anyone's skin. These colours can trigger an allergic response and cause skin irritation, itching, swelling, and even dermatitis,¡± explains Dr. Shareefa Chause, dermatologist, Dr. Shareefa Skin Care Clinic, Mumbai.?
Holi is celebrated with great zeal across India. Right from children to adults to senior citizens, everyone participates in Holi and enjoys playing with colours and dancing. Hence, is it imperative to know which colours have harmful chemicals in them and how to detect them?
Harmful chemicals in the colours found in the market can lead to serious health issues. ¡°People can experience problems such as itching, allergies, inflammation, burning of the skin, redness, and even long-term damage like pigmentation,¡± points out Dr. Jisha Pillai, dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai.
She adds, ¡°People with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, atopic dermatitis, irritant dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis can be triggered. The colours, when inhaled, can cause coughing, vomiting, breathlessness, and sneezing.¡±
Holi is around the corner, and you all may be excited to play with colours. However, be vigilant, as these colours can do more harm than good. According to Dr. Jisha Pillai, dermatologist, Lilavati Hospital Mumbai, ¡°The colours contain harmful chemicals like lead, mercury, chromium, and azo dyes, which can cause serious skin and hair problems.¡±
It is better to be cautious and use them safely. Children should avoid playing with colours, as they can enter the eyes, causing eye infections. ¡°The signs and symptoms of toxic colours can be redness, itching, and watery eyes. The fragrance of the colours says a lot; if a powder has a strong chemical odour or an overpowering artificial scent, it is likely to contain synthetic chemicals. Such odours are a warning sign,¡± she says.
Dr. Pillai adds, ¡°So, while buying colours, be safe and check labels for non-toxic, natural, or herbal ingredients only. Buy colours from an authorised shop.¡±
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