Holi is a festival of colours, no doubt. But what if the colours leave their frightful tell-tale signs. “Skin pigmentation, rashes, eczema are some of the after-affects of the use of synthetic colours. The chemicals consist of synthetic dyes and in many cases mica dust too that can cause major skin allergies. Did you know that your favourite green colour contains copper sulphate? Were you aware that silver colour contains aluminium bromide not to mention lead oxide which is so much in use in black colour?

“Applying coconut/mustard oil is not advisable at all before you go out to play Holi for, that can only cause further irritation. Instead, wear a good sun block with an SPF of 30. Wash off colours immediately. Else, use non-synthetic or herbal colours.

Non synthetic or herbal colours are safe and more environment friendly since they’re prepared from natural extracts of flowers and vegetables. In case you’re unable to get these around your neighbourhood, try preparing them at home.

Symptoms may vary from mild irritation in form of itching or dryness, which can in turn lead to more irritation and itching, rashes or allergic dermatitis. There can be severe itching and burning sensation, redness, and in some cases, even skin burns. The hair damage can be in form of itching, redness, dryness and scalp infections. The delayed affects could be loss of hair, thinning of hair, coarse, thin and lusterless hair texture.