Considerations Regarding Allergic Reactions and the colors used During the celebrations

by Dr. Sunil Kumar Prabhu

Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions can occur due to various factors during Holi celebrations:

  • Chemical Allergies: Some synthetic colors used during Holi may contain chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. These reactions can range from mild skin irritation to more severe allergic reactions.
  • Food Allergies: Traditional Holi delicacies such as sweets and snacks may contain ingredients that can trigger food allergies in certain individuals. Nuts, dairy, and gluten are common allergens.
  • Environmental Allergens: Outdoor celebrations can expose individuals to environmental allergens such as pollen, dust, and grass, which may exacerbate existing allergies or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive Individuals.

Colors Used in Holi : 

  • Synthetic Colors: Synthetic or chemical-based colors are often used during Holi celebrations. These colors are vibrant and long-lasting but may contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and industrial dyes. These chemicals can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health effects.
  • Natural Colors: Many people are now opting for natural or organic colors made from plant-based ingredients such as turmeric, beetroot, marigold flowers, and spinach. These colors are considered safer and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic colors, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and environmental pollution.
  • Mercury, Asbestos and Mica may aggravate or trigger skin conditions like Eczema, Hives and Psoriasis.These skin conditions usually appear as a red-coloured rash on the skin. 
  • The most common is the rash, The skin issues that can be triggered during Holi which can get triggered by the toxins in the colours making your skin irritated, swollen,painful, itchy, red.

Here more to go if its affected:

  • Wash the affected area immediately. Avoid scrubbing it.  
  • Use a cleanser to wash off particles. 
  • Use Lotions to soothing the skin.
  • Apply ice to the affected area. 
  • Leave the area exposed to the air to let it breathe.

To mitigate the risk of allergic reactions during Holi celebrations, individuals can take the following precautions:

  • Wear Clothes that will protect preferred long-sleeved shirts and pants, to minimize skin exposure.
  • Opt for natural or organic colors instead of synthetic ones,
  • Before playing with colors to create a protective layer on the skin use Moisturizers.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during outdoor celebrations.
  • Conduct a patch test before applying colors to check for any allergic reactions.
  • Individuals with known allergies should carry their medications, such as antihistamines or epinephrine auto-injectors, in case of an Allergic reaction.