Dr Alka Dogra, head of the Dermatology department at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, advises the use of herbal colours instead. “It’s a great festival. There is a fear of chemical colours, but it does not mean we do not celebrate the festival of colours. We should be careful to choose herbal colours in place of chemical colours. They may be a little more expensive but then they’ll save you from rashes, itching and irritation in the eyes.

Telling about other possible solutions, Dr Dogra lists the precautions, “Application of oil, either olive oil or coconut oil on the hair and exposed body parts can prevent the colours penetrating deep into the skin. It is also advisable to use moisturising cream and sunscreen as people mostly go out in the sun. The key to enjoy the festival colourfully is to use natural and safe colours which maximises the fun.”