By IANSlife
March 25, 2024 (IANSlife) Amidst the joyous celebrations of Holi, it's crucial to prioritize health and safety, ensuring that the festivities bring merriment without compromising well-being. It's time to embrace the spirit of the festival responsibly, especially for expectant mothers. From safeguarding against harmful colours to prioritizing hydration and rest, adopting simple yet essential precautions can make all the difference in ensuring a Holi celebration that is both joyful and health-conscious.
Cosmetologist and Co-Founder at Abhivrit Aesthetics Dr. Jatin Mittal in New Delhi said, “These days, industry chemicals used extensively in colour formulation such as motor oil, diesel, acids, mica, glass powder, and alkalis not only severely harm skin but also cause severe ailments like eczema, blisters, severe redness, and skin peeling. It's best to take care to reduce the possible effects on the skin and hair of these.”
"People who play Holi or handle colours frequently report severe skin reactions, asthma, conjunctivitis, and sight impairment,” said Dr. Manish Sharma, Sr. Medical Oncologist from Positron Superspeciality and Cancer Hospital in Rohtak and Medical Oncologist at Cancer Care clinic in Faridabad. “A lot of people request darker colours that stay on the skin longer, but the industrial chemicals in these colours can cause serious diseases like skin cancer. In addition, toxic colours combined with UV rays from the sun can cause phototoxic reactions to the skin, which further leads to blisters causing redness to the skin. Moreover, rhodamine B is also used for pink, red, and purple."
In addition to colours, one such custom connected to Holi is bhang. The two elements that bring the festival full circle are rang and bhang. However, a bhang overdose might result in major health issues.
"Bhang is an intoxicant that gives you a sleepy, groggy feeling. Bhang consumption can impact the foetus, neurological system, and brain in addition to raising blood pressure and heart rate,” said Dr. Shobha Gupta, Medical Director, Gynecologist and IVF Specialist from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi and Vrindavan.
"Pregnant women must avoid playing Holi at all, instead, they should stay indoors or, if they must go outside, do so in the company of reliable elders. Additionally, modern Holi colours are composed of chemicals. Certain hues can potentially cause cancer. Thus, nursing moms should use the same prudence as expectant mothers. When a pregnant woman uses these colours in an area where lead is present, it may cause an abortion or miscarriage as well as an underweight or premature birth. The reproductive and nervous systems may also be impacted. Have a glass of lemon detox water first thing in the morning, then eat something clean and healthful."
Tips for your hair and skin protection by Dr Jatin Mittal:
How to remove colour afterwards:
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