Be cautious about what colours you use this Holi

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) If you are a 'Holi' enthusiast and indulge in unrestrained revelry, chances are that you will end up with skin rashes or allergies or even eye infection.

Smearing colours on family and friends might turn out to be a never-ending nightmare unless you are absolutely sure of the contents of the colours.

The bright and beautiful colours could be acids, alkalis, mica or silica or some more dangerous chemical which will lead to skin diseases or even worse cause loss of sight.

Celebrations of the arrival of spring with a carnival of colours -- reds, blues, greens, oranges and all imaginable hues -- might turn out to be a tormenting experience for young and old alike.

''The most commonly used colours like blue can cause dermatitis, a condition that often results in swollen, reddened and itchy skin ... high level of discomfort caused is extremely nerve wrecking,'' says Dr Anil Kumar Malik, a senior Dermatologist.

''The colour red for instance contains a base of mercuric sulphite, which is highly toxic and a pigment that completely discolours the skin. Even the black paste can lead to eruption of allergic reactions on sensitive skins,'' he points out.

And if you think using dry colours will be safe and you are being cautious, then you are mistaken.

'Gulal' that contains two components, a coloring agent and a base, has mostly heavy metals like lead, chromium, nickel and cadmium.

''It is all the more capable of disturbing human body function and damaging the skin at large,'' says Dr Malik.

Dr A K Raina, Consultant Ophthalmologist, G M Modi hospital says constant colour contact may cause conjunctivitis, obstruct vision and even lead to blindness if not treated properly.

''In case of eye irritation, splashing of water should be resorted to immediately if the eye comes in contact with harmful agents of colour,'' he advises.

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