Skin Care 

1. In Holi, chemical color is used. Opt for natural colours: Avoid synthetic, chemical-based colours that cause Contact dermatitis.

2. Apply a thick layer of coconut oil to all exposed skin and hair to prevent colours from sticking and to make washing easier. 

3. Apply sunscreen to prevent sun damage.

4. Stay hydrated & safe: Drink plenty of fluids like water or lemonade to prevent dehydration. 

5. Protect eyes, ears, and nose from harmful chemical heavy colors.

6. Chemical or synthetic colors damage hair and lead to excessive hairfall.

7. For a safe Holi, prioritise safety by avoiding heels, which pose a high risk of slipping on wet floors. Instead, opt for footwear with excellent grip, such as rubber sandals or floaters.

8. Lips need special care. Apply a thick layer of lip balm on your lips. 

9. Wash off the colours immediately – Cleanse your skin with gentle chemical-free cleansers like cold-processed soaps using lukewarm water.

10. Restore skin hydration post-wash – Apply a soothing moisturizing oil or lotion. This will help soothe your skin and keep it hydrated.

Dr. Surit Malakar, MD, Dermatologist, Techno India DAMA Hospital 

*******************

Celebrate the festival of colours with both joy and caution  – 

i. Should not indulge in alcohol or other inebriants.

ii. Should stay away from places where there is congestion and smoke.

iii. Do not overindulge in sweets and other greasy, unhealthy foods.

iv. Should not drink water from roadside stalls, etc.

v. Should take special care in cases of twin pregnancy or having other risk factors like hypertension, Diabetes, heart conditions, etc. 

vi. Should use only organic colours.

vii. They should not stay out in the open air for a long period of time.

viii. For pregnant women, long exposure to synthetic colors and pollution can be fatal for their overall health and for the growing baby. The chemicals in Holi colours can not only cause nervous and respiratory distress but can also affect the overall growth of the baby. It can cause preterm birth or low birth weight in the growing child. So, it is advisable for the expecting mothers to ensure that they are exposed to the usage of Natural or Herbal Colours or Vegetable Dyes only.   

ix. Those suffering from COPD and other allergic conditions should stay indoors. 

Dr. MS Purkait, Medical Superintendent, Techno India DAMA Hospital 

*******************

Eye Care Measures During Holi 

The Main causes of eye problems in children during Holi and steps for prevention and cure – 

1. Corneal scratches, pink eye & blinding chemical burns caused by synthetic colours like yellow containing heavy metals like lead, malachite containing green, shining mica particles in red colour, or the silvery metallic varnish paint.

2. Eye trauma by Water balloons & Water guns. Kids love to play with water balloons the most, but they pose a significant risk of blunt eye injuries. A direct hit by a ballon or high-speed jet from a water gun can cause blinding internal bleeding or retinal detachment.

Take precautions

1. Use protective eyewear, sunglasses, or simple glasses while playing with colours

2. Never put colour on others around the eyes!

3. Fasten or tie hair together by using a cap to prevent colour dripping into the eyes

4. Avoid aiming at the face with balloons or water guns.

5. Apply thick layers of coconut oil around your eyes, as it will help the colour to get off easily without causing harm to your eyes.

6. It is always important to keep an eye on the kids.

Quick guide if colour enters the eye

1. Flush with water: Immediately rinse your eye with plenty of clean water to remove the colour.

2. Remove contact lenses (if applicable): Take out your contact lenses to prevent the colour from getting trapped underneath.

3. Avoid rubbing: Gently pat the area around your eye dry with a clean cloth. Avoid rubbing your eye, as this can push the colour further into your eye.

4. Use eye wash or saline solution: If available, use an eye wash or saline solution to help flush out the colour.

5. Seek medical attention: If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

    – Severe eye pain or burning

    – Blurred vision or vision loss

    – Redness or swelling of the eye

    – Discharge or pus in the eye

    – Increased sensitivity to light

Eye drops such as artificial tear drops (carboxymethyl cellulose) may be applied safely. Do not self-medicate with steroid eye drops without consulting a doctor first.

DIY Natural Colors

For the kiddos, ditch synthetic colors and celebrate Holi with eco-friendly, home-made natural colors. These are easy to make, safe, and offer a unique experience. If DIY isn’t your thing, opt for organic and vegetable-sourced colors available in the market. These are a great alternative to synthetic colors and ensure a safer Holi celebration

1. Yellow: Mix haldi (turmeric) with besan (gram flour) for a vibrant yellow color that doubles as a face mask.

2. Saffron: Use Palash flower petals to create a beautiful saffron hue.

3. Magenta: Soak beetroot in water to get a bright magenta color.

4. Other Options: Henna powder, Gulmohar, and Hibiscus flowers can be used to create various colors.

Dr. Ketaki Subhedar, Consultant – Pediatric Ophthalmology, Disha Eye Hospitals

*******************

Holi is colour, chaos, connection, and celebration. It is laughter in the air and gulaal on the skin. But festivals also amplify noise, stimulation, and social pressure. From a mental health lens, safety is not only about avoiding chemical colours. It is also about protecting emotional boundaries, nervous systems, and our four-legged family members.

Here are some simple, practical measures to keep Holi joyful and safe for everyone.

1. Respect Consent, Always

• “Bura na maano, Holi hai” is not a free pass.

• Ask before applying colour.

• No means no. Even during festivals.

• Avoid forceful smearing, dragging, or throwing water balloons.

Psychological safety begins with respect.

2. Watch for Overstimulation

Holi can overwhelm the nervous system.

• Loud music, crowding, shouting, and constant touch can trigger anxiety.

• Children, elderly individuals, and people sensitive to noise may feel distressed.

• Take breaks. Step into a quiet room for 5–10 minutes if needed.

• Hydrate. Dehydration increases irritability and fatigue.

If someone seems withdrawn or unusually irritable, do not mock them. Check in gently.

3. Be Mindful of Teasing and Comments

Festivals sometimes normalize harmless jokes.

• Avoid body shaming disguised as humour.

• Avoid comments about skin colour, weight, relationships, or marital status.

• Do not pressure someone to drink or participate.

Words always linger longer than colour.

4. Alcohol Awareness

Holi gatherings often include alcohol.

• Eat before drinking.

• Avoid mixing substances.

• Never drive under the influence.

• Watch out for vulnerable individuals, especially young adults.

Increased intoxication often leads to boundary violations and aggression. Stay alert. Stay responsible.

5. Physical Safety Matters

• Use natural, skin-safe colours.

• Apply oil or moisturizer beforehand to protect skin.

• Protect eyes. Avoid direct colour throwing on the face.

• Avoid unknown water sources.

If irritation occurs, wash immediately and seek medical help if needed.

6. Protect Pets from Distress and Harm

Holi can be extremely stressful for animals.

• Keep pets indoors in a quiet, safe space.

• Close windows to reduce loud sound exposure.

• Do not apply colours to pets. Even herbal colours can cause skin irritation, poisoning if licked, and eye damage.

• Walk dogs during quieter hours to avoid crowds and balloons.

• Ensure fresh water is available as stress increases thirst.

If your pet shows signs of shaking, hiding, excessive panting, vomiting, or unusual aggression, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Remember, animals do not understand celebration. They only experience chaos.

7. Emotional Check-Ins

Festivals can also bring loneliness.

• Reach out to someone who may be alone.

• Include neighbours or friends gently.

• If someone declines, respect that.

Joy multiplies when it is shared thoughtfully.

8. Watch for Distress Signals

Seek help if you notice:

• Panic attacks

• Severe intoxication

• Aggressive behaviour

• Harassment

• Injury

Immediate support prevents escalation.

9. Aftercare Matters

Post-celebration fatigue is real.

• Rest well.

• Rehydrate.

• Clean skin gently.

• Reflect and reset.

Devdeep Roy Chowdhury, Senior Clinical Psychologist, Monoshij – A Mental Health Unit Of Techno India Group

Celebrate with awareness. Respect boundaries.  Wishing everyone a safe, compassionate, and joyful Holi.

Priyanka Dutta