Cover Image by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash
My brothers and sisters, a few days ago, I felt the sharp air in my nostrils—harmattan is here. Harmattan is a windy season characterized by dryness, little to no rainfall, dust, and fog. It occurs in the West African regions that are somewhat close to the Saharan Desert. Depending on where you are in the country, the harmattan season may be mild and barely noticeable, it may have come in full force, or there may be no signs of its presence at all. Whatever the effect may be, it’s best to be prepared, and I’m here to give you some tips.
Lotion
The harsh nature of the harmattan season demands extra care for your skin. The dry weather can rob your skin of moisture, leaving it dull and dehydrated. It’s essential to use a lotion that suits your skin type and provides long-lasting hydration. You may need to change the lotion you already use for a thicker one to fit the season and keep you moisturized. Keep your lotion with you when going out so you can reapply as needed to maintain soft, healthy, and glowing skin.
Photo by Nataliya Melnychuk on Unsplash
Lip Balm.
During this season, your lip balm should be your constant companion. The dry air often leads to chapped lips and bleeding in extreme cases. Get a good lip balm that can lock in moisture and protect your lips from the harsh winds. Reapply it frequently to keep your lips healthy, soft, and hydrated.
Glasses and a nose mask.
If you must move through extremely dusty areas, wear a nose mask to keep dust out of your nose and mouth. Use sunglasses or regular glasses to protect your eyes from dust. The eyes are very sensitive and require extra care during harmattan to prevent irritation and complications.
Use warm water.
The chilly weather can make bathing difficult, especially in the early morning. To stay comfortable and to avoid respiratory issues, warm your water using an electric or manual kettle. It’s also beneficial to drink hot tea or warm water during the harmattan season, as the dryness can make one prone to throat irritation.
Wear a sweater.
It’s essential to wear clothing appropriate for the harmattan season. Choose thick garments such as long-sleeved shirts and sweaters to stay warm in the cold weather and protect yourself from health hazards. Undue exposure to the cold can increase the risk of getting pneumonia, the flu, and hypothermia. Save yourself from a lot of complications by simply wearing warm clothing.
Stay Hydrated.
Harmattan is similar to a desert season—very hot during the day and cold at night. As you go about your daily activities, make sure to drink water frequently, as the intense heat and dryness can lead to dehydration. Dehydration affects the body in multiple ways and can lead to heatstroke, brain impairment, lackluster skin, indigestion, and so on. The importance of water cannot be overemphasized.
Eat Healthy.
Good nutrition should always be taken seriously, even more so during harmattan. You need to build your body’s defenses and immunity to combat the airborne diseases that harmattan is known to bring. Just in case you haven’t prioritized eating healthy, let this blog post stir you to make changes to your diet now. Eat a lot of fruit and vegetables and avoid caffeinated drinks as they can cause dehydration.
Do your chores.
The harmattan season is not a time to slack in keeping your environment clean. The dusty winds require you to clean and dust your environment regularly to stay healthy and strong.
Consult your doctor
Harmattan often comes with allergies, breakouts, reactions, and infections due to the dry, windy, and dusty air quality. If you experience any symptoms, contact your doctor for proper guidance and treatment.
The harmattan season can be challenging, but with the right precautions, you can stay healthy . Wear clothes that will keep you warm, stay hydrated, and protect your skin. Keep your area clean and eat healthy. Pay attention to your body and seek medical advice when necessary. By taking these simple steps, you can enjoy the season.
