Lucknow: Doctors in the city appealed to all to celebrate Holi responsibly so that the festival of colours does not turn into days of pain and hospital visits. They said negligence during celebrations often resulted in medical emergencies that could be avoided.Citing past incidents, doctors recalled case of 20-year-old college student from Aliganj, who developed acute contact dermatitis after friends rubbed dry chemical colour into her scalp last year. Within hours, she suffered severe itching, swelling, and burning. She was rushed to a private hospital in Nirala Nagar, where part of her scalp hair was trimmed to treat the inflamed area. It took nearly 10 days for her condition to become normal.Her case reflected a larger pattern. During last year’s Holi, four major hospitals in the city handled 1,862 emergency cases. SPM Civil Hospital recorded 638 patients, Balrampur Hospital treated 221, the Trauma Centre at King George’s Medical University managed 500 cases, while Lokbandhu Hospital saw 503 emergency visits. Many were linked to skin allergies, road accidents, fractures, trauma and eye injuries.Dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow, Dr Mustaqeem Farooqui said such spikes are reported every year because of synthetic colours, intoxication, slippery streets and reckless pranks, which increase risk of fractures, chemical burns, eye trauma and breathing distress.Another serious case involved a 12-year-old from Rajajipuram, who remained admitted for 10 days at KGMU after industrial dye applied to his face caused severe blisters. Though he recovered, faint scars remain.Dermatologists said they routinely see a surge in allergic contact dermatitis, rashes, facial swelling, scalp inflammation and patchy hair loss after Holi. Dermatologist at Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Dr Rohit Gupta, said most post-Holi skin complications stem from low-quality synthetic colours. He advised applying oil to the skin and scalp before playing, wearing protective clothing, avoiding harsh scrubbing, and using mild cleansers. “If irritation persists, consult a doctor promptly,” he said.Adding that most such cases are preventable, Dr Mustahsin Malik, a senior emergency physician, said awareness and restraint can significantly reduce injuries. “A festival of joy should not end in hospitalisation,” he said.Echoing the concern, Dr Sanjay Teotia, Director of Balrampur Hospital, advised revellers not to throw colours directly at the face and to rinse eyes immediately with clean water if exposed.Doctors stressed that Holi should remain a festival of joy, not a reason for hospital visits.
