Surviving Harmattan: Tips For Healthy Skin & Airways

December 11, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Harmattan comes during the festive season {Christmas season} and can be quite challenging for the skin, eyes, and airways. Understanding this period is essential for protecting yourself from the harshness of this season.
It is the time when the weather becomes foggy, dusty, and cold. The air we breathe in becomes hot because the sun also becomes hotter, and water becomes colder than usual.

During this period, its common for people to develop runny noses, swollen eyes, headaches, and dry skin. This happens not because the people do not practice personal hygiene but because of the change in weather conditions, and when people fail to care for themselves well, there can serious consequences.

As we are in this period now, this is the time to take care of our skin and every other part of our body more to avoid spending unnecessary money.

It is noted that people who are mostly affected more are those living in the rural area, as they already have issues of bad water, roads, and hospitals; that is why it is important they also manage to take care of themselves during this period.

One of the biggest effects of harmattan is dry skin. The harsh weather makes the skin dry, which can result in flaky, and irritated skin. The best thing we can do is to take care of our skin by keeping it moisturized. Using a good moisturiser regularly can help lock in moisture. Look for products that contain ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or natural oils such as coconut or shea butter, Vaseline, or Nivea, which are effective in providing hydration. Also, drinking plenty of water will also help to hydrate your skin from the inside out.

Another way to protect your skin is to avoid exposing yourself to the harsh weather. It is advisable that when going outside, we should wear protective clothing such as long sleeves and caps to shield our skin from the dryness and dust. Applying sunscreen is also important, as the sun can be very strong during harmattan.

The eyes are also affected during the harmattan season. Dust and dry air on the street and road can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness. So to protect your eyes, consider wearing sunglasses when leaving the house. These glasses shield your eyes from dust but also protect them from harmful sun rays. Eye drops can also help relieve dryness and irritation.

The dust and dry air are also very bad for the respiratory system; they bring symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing, especially for those who already have conditions like asthma or allergies. To reduce the effects, it’s advisable to use a nose mask wherever we are going. When indoors, using air purifiers can help reduce dust levels in your home.

Keeping your environment clean can also reduce the dryness that comes with harmattan. A nice humidifier can add moisture to the air, making breathing easier. If you don’t have a humidifier, placing water bowls near heat sources can help increase humidity levels. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids is essential for maintaining healthy airways.

For those who experience constant respiratory issues, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend medications or treatments to help manage symptoms effectively. Avoid irritants such as smoke, strong odours, and allergies to protect your respiratory health during this season.

In conclusion, while harmattan brings its challenges, taking careful measures can help protect your skin, eyes, and airways. Keeping your skin moisturised, wearing covered clothing, and using sunscreen are essential steps for skin care. Protecting your eyes with sunglasses and using eye drops can prevent irritation. Lastly, managing your indoor environment, using a nose mask, and staying hydrated will help maintain healthy airways. By doing this, you can keep yourself safe from falling sick.