Materials and Methods
Consecutive patients presenting with dermatological problems directly or indirectly attributed to the Holi colors to the Dermatology Clinic of a teaching hospital at Kolkata, India, were included in this observational clinical study. This year (2008), the Holi was observed on 21st March. The study duration included the next two weeks, because this was the most probable time of presentation for Holi-related dermatoses. Detailed history regarding age, gender, symptoms, type of color used, activities related to preparation and removal of colors from the skin, and history of aggravation of preexisting dermatoses were recorded. Every patient then underwent a thorough clinical examination with special reference to the morphology of the lesions and sites of involvement.