As the revelers gear up to participate in festival of colours, Holi on Thursday, doctors have warned that in absence of proper safeguards, these colors might do more harm than good and dampen the festive mood, particularly those suffering with asthma. Asthmatic children are the worst victims.
Asthma is a chronic reactive airway disease characterized by recurrent symptoms, reversible airway obstruction and bronchospasm.
Dr. Amitabha Ghosh, Columbia Asia Hospital, Gurgaon, said that they receive around 20 to 25 patients in the OPD just before and after the Holi festival with complaints of cough, breathing issues, skin irritations and rashes.
Besides, some also come with complaints of sore or teary eyes after being affected by some of the artificial colors used during Holi.
“It is advisable that one should take adequate precaution to guard themselves. Asthma patients should follow the medication regime for a week in the run up to the festival. While playing with colors, be careful that you do not inhale it anyway,” he said.
Asthma attacks can be triggered by dust, powders, cold air, air pollution, smoke and other allergens. As Holi is nearer, it can be disastrous for the patients with asthma, added Dr. Sandeep Nayar, Senior Consultant & HOD, Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Sleep Disorder, BLK Super Speciality Hospital.
He suggested the asthmatic patient to keep their inhalers with them for emergency situation while asthmatic children should avoid playing with dry colours. “Children should not be left alone, parents need to remain around them and not to left them alone as they can help in crucial times during asthma trouble,” he added.
The doctors said that dry colours like gulals which are high on heavy metals like lead should be avoided while quality wet colours should be used.
Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda talked about preventive measures that one should take if playing Holi is unavoidable. A day before Holi, one should apply mustard oil or lotion all over the body to keep the skin protected which will also ensure removing colours with ease. On hair one should apply plenty of coconut oil to prevent colours from penetrating deep into the roots, he said. “To get rid of hard colours which are prepared from harmful substances like acids, glass and strong chemicals,” Dr Chauhan said.
Do’s and Don’t’s during holi
Use coconut oil on skin before playing Holi; Do proper oiling of hair; Use conditioner on hair after playing colours; Cover yourself as much as possible; Use dry colours; Use colours made from plants;If colour enters eyes, immediately wash it with plain water repeatedly and then take doctor’s advice
Don’ts: Avoid sitting in the sun after playing colours; Eat or drink after washing hands or removing colours; Do not play with eggs, mud, black ink.
