NEW DELHI: Holi is one of the most joyful festivals we celebrate, but every year, within two to three days after the festivities, many people walk into the clinic with similar complaints — itching, red patches, burning sensation, sudden pimples, swelling around the eyes and sometimes even painful rashes. What most people call “colour irritation” is actually a form of skin allergy or contact dermatitis triggered by the ingredients present in modern Holi colours.
Understanding why this happens and how to handle it early can prevent long-lasting skin damage.
WHY DO SKIN ALLERGIES HAPPEN AFTER HOLI?
Traditionally, Holi colours were made from flowers and natural powders. Today, many easily available colours contain synthetic dyes, heavy metals and industrial chemicals. These substances are not meant for direct skin contact.
Common irritants found in colours include artificial pigments, alkaline bases and microscopic particles. When these stay on the skin for hours — mixed with sweat, sunlight and friction — the skin barrier weakens. Once this protective layer breaks, the skin reacts with inflammation.
Dr. Karuna Malhotra, Founder, Aesthetic Physician and Skin care expert from Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic Rajouri Garden New Delhi explained that “people with sensitive skin, eczema, rosacea or acne-prone skin are at a much higher risk. Children and elderly individuals are also vulnerable because their skin barrier is thinner and more delicate.”
COMMON SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR
A Holi skin allergy usually appears within a few hours to 48 hours after playing.
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Typical signs include:
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Persistent itching
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Redness and small bumps
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Burning or stinging sensation
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Dry, rough patches
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Swelling around eyelids or lips
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Sudden acne flare-ups
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Dark patches or pigmentation after healing
I often tell my patients, said Dr. Malhotra “if the skin feels hot or continues to itch after washing, it is not just colour residue — it is a reaction”.
Immediate treatment, what you should do: The first step is gentle cleansing. Rinse the affected area with cool water and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid hot water because it increases inflammation.
Do not scrub, exfoliate or apply home remedies like lemon, baking soda or toothpaste. These can worsen the reaction and sometimes cause chemical burns.
AFTER WASHING:
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Apply a soothing moisturiser containing aloe vera or ceramides
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Use a cold compress to reduce burning
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Avoid makeup and active skin products (retinol, vitamin C, acids) for a few days.
If itching is significant or rashes spread, a dermatologist may prescribe a mild anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory cream. Early treatment is important because scratching can lead to infection and post-inflammatory pigmentation that lasts for months.
Seek medical attention immediately if there is severe swelling around the eyes, oozing lesions, or intense pain.
Prevention — the most important step: Preventing Holi allergy is much easier than treating it.
Before playing Holi:
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Apply a thick moisturiser or coconut oil on exposed skin
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Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen
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Oil the scalp and hairline
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Wear full-sleeve clothing when possible
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Prefer herbal or reputed brand colours
After Holi:
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Rinse colours with plain water first
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Use a gentle cleanser only once or twice
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Moisturise generously
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Avoid facials, waxing or bleaching for at least 5-7 days.
Also remember, repeated washing with strong soaps causes more damage than the colours themselves. The skin needs patience to recover.
Holi should bring happiness, not skin problems. With awareness and simple precautions, you can enjoy the festival safely. And if your skin reacts, do not ignore it — timely dermatological care preserves long-term marks and restores your skin’s natural health” summed up Dr. Karuna Malhotra.
Inputs by Dr. Karuna Malhotra, Founder, Aesthetic Physician and Skin care expert from Cosmetic Skin and Homeo Clinic Rajouri Garden New Delhi.
