Fervour of the festival of colour comes with vibrancy, vivacious spirit complete with singing and dancing. People enthusiastically celebrate Holi by drenching each other in colour and eating gujiyas.

However, while playing Holi some basic precautions should be kept in mind to ensure there is no permanent damage to their eyes, skin or hair.

Chemical colours can irritate the skin by causing breakouts, itching, rashes, swelling and aggravated eczema.

Colour can compromise the eyesight resulting in severe irritation, redness, watering and itching. The scalp might get affected, leading to hair damage and hair fall.

In essence, one should avoid playing with chemical colours and celebrate Holi by using traditional colours made from spring flowers and herbs (organic colours)

Dr Naresh Bhargava, senior consultant, Dermatology, Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh states how you can keep your skin protected during Holi.

For preventive measures, one should oil or moisturise their face to avoid direct contact of colours with the skin. It also ensures the easy removal of the colour.

Toner should be applied to close and minimise the pores. This prevents colour from embedding itself in the skin.

“Loose cotton clothes, long-sleeved tops and full-length pants, leggings or salwars should be worn while playing Holi,” he says.

To prevent tanning of the face, SPF 40 sunscreen should be applied, says Dr Naresh.

Nail paint on toes and fingers can prevent staining.

Oiled hair protects it from the harmful chemicals, he avers.

Post-Holi, avoid using face scrubs to wash off stains. They tend to cause irritation to the skin. Mild cleansers and a generous dose of body lotion can be used while bathing and mild shampoo for cleansing.

Dr Neeraj Sanduja, Senior Consultant, Ophthalmology, Fortis Memorial Institute Gurgaon, shares quick tips to protect the eyes while playing Holi.

Avoid using synthetic colours as they contain heavy metals like lead, which can cause red eye, chemical burn or corneal abrasion.

The green synthetic colour used during holi can cause fleeting blindness.

Shining ‘mica’ particles in the red synthetic colour can cause damage to the cornea.

Use a sunglass to protect your eyes from a misfire of colour-filled darts or water jets.

Avoid using contact lenses as the colour may get trapped between the lenses and result in eye infection. If colour enters the eye, one should not rub it as this may cause irritation and burning.

Dr Seema Singh, chief Clinical Nutritionist, Fortis Hospital Flt. Lt. Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj focuses on a healthy diet during Holi. Stay hydrated, she says.