Doc talk: Here are dos and don’ts for skin-friendly Holi celebrations

Hyderabad: While playing Holi is enjoyable, removing the colors stuck on the scalp and skin can be quite frustrating! People use all sorts of substances including detergents and turpentine oil to remove the chemical colors forcefully and quickly, which further causes harm to the skin and hair.

However, there are simple ways to minimize the damage and easily remove the colors post-Holi.

Also, even though some companies claim to sell organic or natural colors, doctors are doubtful about their genuineness because these are sold at a slightly higher price, whereas original herbal colors prepared from flowers and spices will cost quite high. Moreover, there is no machinery in place to check the veracity of the claims about the colors being organic unless they are homemade or prepared by reliable sources. So, even such unproven ‘organic’ colors can be hypoallergenic, if not too harmful.

The common complaints after playing with hypo-allergic colors during Holi are those of contact dermatitis, allergy, and changes in pigmentation (white or dark patches on the skin)

Dr. Kotla Sai Krishna, senior dermatologist, Yashoda Hospitals, Secunderabad, speaks about the skin-care and hair-care regimen that should be followed before playing Holi and also the regimen post-Holi after the removal of the colors.

‘Apply coconut oil on skin before playing with colors’

“The easiest way to prevent the chemical colors from settling in is applying normal coconut oil on the body. Both children and adults can apply it and colours will be easily washable. Instead of oil, unscented Vaseline or some moisturizer can be used too. While playing outdoors, application of sunscreen is not required because the colors themselves will block the UV radiation from the sun,” he said.

Removal of colours after Holi

Usually, Holi colors do not get easily removed after a couple of washes but may linger even for about a week or so depending on the intensity of playing with the colors.

Dr. Sai Krishna said, “There is no rush to remove all the colors instantly. Never use harsh soap, detergent, or turpentine oil to forcefully remove the colors from the skin. If these elements are used, the skin dries up further and the colors may stick for a longer time. Gently cleanse the skin with a soft bathing soap or baby shampoo and water. Keep doing it every day till the color fades away. After the bath, use a normal moisturiser but avoid fragrant products because these contain chemicals that may further react on the skin.

Hair Care

“While colors won’t penetrate deep inside the scalp, it may however cause superficial harm like irritation, itching, redness, and swelling if the colors stick to the scalp for a long time. To avoid it, a day before playing Holi, clean the hair with shampoo, and conditioner and then apply hair oil like coconut oil and tie the hair just before playing, especially if it is long. Oiling will form a protective layer on the cuticle. These measures will prevent any serious damage to the hair. If the hair is dry and frizzy, colors will get easily absorbed and stuck in the hair,” averred Dr Sai Krishna.

“After playing Holi, ensure to clean the hair with a sulfate-free shampoo or baby shampoo once a day daily, till all the colors are removed. Do not keep washing repeatedly on the same day. Also, avoid blow drying the hair after washing but gently wipe it with a towel and let it dry normally also avoid dyeing and other chemical treatment of the hair for a few days, till all the colors have been removed, added the dermatologist.

Contraindications: Who should avoid playing with chemical colors

Dr Sai Krishna advised that those who have dermatological issues such as acne, pimples, eczema, atopic dermatitis (itchy inflammation), and psoriasis, should better avoid playing with chemical colors as it enhances the risk of the skin problems flaring up further. Also, those who have bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis should exercise caution if they want to play.

It is also advisable to avoid playing with shiny golden and silver colors as these may often contain heavy metals like mercury and are more harmful than other powdery pink and green colors, according to the doctor.