PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Doctors based in the city have recommended that people take appropriate precautions while celebrating Holi to prevent eye and skin allergies. They said that they have noted a rise in cases of eye and skin allergies following the Holi celebrations. To be on the safe side, the people should use organic colours while adhering to some safety measures to mitigate the risk of allergies and other health issues.
A senior eye specialist at the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) Dr Sushil Ojha stated that the steady rise in the number of eye infection and allergy cases following the Holi every year is a worrisome trend. “This can be attributed to rampant use of chemical colours and lack of precautions. The use of chemical colours leads to reddish and watery eyes, blurriness and itching. To stay safe, the Holi revellers should wear sunglasses or protective eyewear. Besides, they must keep their eyes closed when colours are being applied on them. They must immediately wash their eyes with water instead of rubbing them. Rubbing may exacerbate problems and potentially lead to ulcers. The safest thing, however, is to use natural colours,” he said.
Another eye specialist Dr Amit Singh said he comes across cases of eye infection and allergy, particularly among children, during Holi each year. “I always warn people against using chemical colours as this may lead to blurred vision. This aside, the people must exercise caution to avoid vision complications. And in case an issue arises one must consult a doctor immediately. Lubricating eye drops are often useful,” he observed.
In addition to eye infections, people may also experience skin discoloration due to the chemical pigments present in the Holi colours. A skin specialist at Gandhi Shatabdi Eye Hospital Dr Anil Arya noted that chemical colours could result in various skin allergies. “This exposure may lead to conditions such as acne, itching, redness, skin irritation and burning sensations. I would advise them to avoid direct contact with such synthetic colours. Besides, they should apply moisturiser or oil on the skin before going out to play with colours. Using natural colours is, however, the best means to ensure a safe Holi,” he added.
