Celebrate Holi Safely: Manipal Hospital Rangapani Advises Cancer Patients to Take Precautions

Manipal Hospital Rangapani, one of the leading units of the Manipal Hospitals Group, has advises patients undergoing radiation therapy and those who have recently completed treatment to exercise special caution during Holi to prevent avoidable complications related to skin sensitivity, allergies, and overall health.
Radiation therapy makes the treated area of the skin extremely sensitive, fragile, and prone to irritation. Patients who are currently undergoing radiation therapy are strongly advised not to use any chemical substances on the treated area of the body except for prescribed ointment. Chemical substances containing artificial colors have a high chance of reacting adversely with the treated area of the body. If the patient wants to participate in the celebrations, colors should be used very carefully and only on a small area of the body, excluding the treated area. Natural colors should be preferred over artificial colors.
Even for the patients who have successfully undergone radiation therapy and have recovered from acute toxicity, caution should be taken. Patients undergoing radiation therapy must be very cautious regarding their food intake during celebrations as the immunity level of the patients is very low. Also, intoxicating drinks such as alcohol, bhang, etc., should be completely avoided, as these can affect the health of the patient.
Special care must be taken by the patients of lung cancer, as the period of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or the period after the successful completion of the treatment, must be avoided, as exposure to powdered colours must be avoided, as the colours can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or exacerbate the pre-existing conditions such as COPD, etc.
Dr. Prithwijit Moitra, Associate Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Rangapani, said, “Radiation therapy increases skin sensitivity, and even after treatment completion, the skin and underlying tissues remain vulnerable for some time. During Holi, patients must avoid applying chemical-based colours on treated areas and refrain from vigorous scrubbing. Lung cancer patients should avoid exposure to powdered colours as inhalation can trigger respiratory complications. Celebrations can certainly be enjoyed, but safety and moderation are essential to prevent unnecessary health setbacks.”
Manipal Hospital Siliguri, Rangapani encourages patients and caregivers to consult their treating oncologist before participating in festive activities to ensure a safe and healthy celebration.