Harmattan is a cold, dry season that comes with certain health challenges due to the dry winds with its attendant dust and low temperature. For some people though, it is the best season because the weather is usually colder.
The skin, eyes, nose and mouth are worst hit by the harmattan because they interact directly with the atmosphere.
Health challenges associated with the harmattan season.
- Spontaneous nosebleeds for some persons due to the drop in humidity.
- Dryness of skin which leads to cracking of the skin.
- Aggravation of asthma.
- Cracking of lips and soles of the feet.
- Cough,cold and catarrh.
- Harmattan can also trigger certain existing conditions such as sickle cell crises, and other allergies.
Our advice.
The skin can be kept healthy and moisturized by topical application of oily creams and weather-friendly dressing. Everyone needs to stay properly hydrated during the period, and use emollient creams to help keep the skin moisturized. The skin cannot repair itself properly unless it is hydrated. This means that any little skin irritation during the harmattan season could result in a bigger skin problem. Do not forget to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water. Adequate fluid intake can also prevent heatstroke.
Another way to cope with the extreme cold weather is to take proper care of your extremities and exposed areas. Keeping a lip balm and hand cream or oil in your pocket, car and handbag for constant applications will keep chapped, dry lips and limbs at bay.
To prevent some of the respiratory diseases associated with harmattan when indoors, people must wash their curtains, clean the windows, fans and air conditioner filters, and avoid fluffy rugs or vacuum clean them regularly. Observe high level of personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infections, such as flu, COVID-19 and tuberculosis from person to person through sneezing and coughing.
Eating hot soup is the best answer to the cold weather. It does not only warm you up, but fills your stomach. Coffee and cocoa are also good for warming you up, but they don’t do quite a good job of filling your stomach as soups.
Eating hot food will also ensure that certain bacteria and virus do not thrive in your belly.
The eyes are directly exposed to the harsh weather, especially the dust particles carried by the wind. Thus itching, foreign body sensation and redness may be common especially in individuals with allergic eye diseases. Proper eye hygiene in the form of washing with clean water, reduction of exposure to dust and use of protective spectacles are advocated.
Harmattan may place certain health challenges on the body, but it also has some advantages, so look on the bright side. Consult a pharmacist or doctor if you feel unwell. Hang in there if it is adversely affecting your health, the season will soon be over!
PAXS PHARMACY 