Go to any market or trend e-commerce web site, and also you’ll discover loads of designer bindis on show: minimalist, gaudy, pearl-studded, wavy… effectively, the listing is limitless. These can be found in all shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. Nevertheless, this omnipresent quick trend selection usually comes with ignored penalties: These synthetic bindis may be dangerous to the pores and skin in the long term, resulting in what dermatologists name bindi leukoderma.
In the present day, most are patches of cloth or plastic glued with adhesives containing p-tertiary butyl phenol (PTBP).
From trend to an infection
“A number of revealed research describe bindi leukoderma as contact depigmentation attributable to melanocytotoxic chemical substances current in bindi adhesives,” explains Dr Geetika Srivastava, dermatologist and founding father of Delhi’s Influennz Clinic.
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To place it straight, the purpose on the brow the place you apply these usually begins shedding pigment over time, giving a vitiligo-like look. This occurs due to the infamous chemical p-tertiary butyl phenol (PTBP) utilized in making bindi adhesives. It’s extremely poisonous to the cells answerable for producing pores and skin pigment and may “set off everlasting depigmentation on the web site of contact.”
The dangers are even increased in scorching, humid climates like India — the place the bindi is historically worn — as a result of it will increase chemical penetration into the pores and skin. Particular person sensitisation and length of publicity additionally play roles. “The longer you put on the adhesive bindi, the upper the danger of creating the situation,” says Dr Srivastava.
Over time, bindis have advanced from easy kumkum dots to ornamental stick-ons made with felt, velvet, glitter, and even stones (picture supply: Vaibhavi Mishra)
Precaution is healthier than remedy
Suggesting selfmade bindis as a secure aletrnative, the skilled stated: “Limit self-adhesive bindis to occasional use solely.”
When you’ve got delicate pores and skin, additional warning is important. “Folks with a historical past of pores and skin allergy symptoms or earlier reactions to market bindis ought to follow kumkum or selfmade variations. Even sindoor, which can comprise azo dyes, may cause leukoderma in delicate people.”
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Nevertheless, extended use doesn’t instantly trigger superior harm. Dr Srivastava factors out, “A number of research counsel that three out of 4 girls develop an allergic response earlier than the precise depigmentation units in. If one discontinues utilization at this stage, leukoderma can usually be prevented.”
Is selfmade bindi an answer?
Dr. Srivastava wholeheartedly agrees that natural kumkum stays the most secure possibility. “Historically, bindis had been produced from kumkum, vegetable, or mineral dyes, and didn’t comprise dangerous chemical substances. There was no danger of depigmentation.”
Alternatively, you can also make your personal kumkum at dwelling utilizing turmeric. “At worst, it could depart a brief yellowish tint, however this isn’t dangerous.”
Nevertheless, she advises warning with components like ghee and lime. “For some pores and skin varieties, lime may cause alkaline burns, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or set off irritant contact dermatitis. Equally, ghee might clog pores and set off zits flare-ups in acne-prone pores and skin. A small patch check goes a good distance in such circumstances.”
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DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. At all times seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
