The harmattan season can be frustrating for some of us for a whole lot of reasons and one of those is the skin issues our bodies sometimes develop during this time.
In my case, my skin gets really dry and starts peeling. A close friend of mine also complains about eczema flare-ups during this period. These are just some of the skin issues that occur when the weather gets dry, humidity drops and dusty winds take over.
The hassle of this weather is further complicated when you consider the fact that even against our best efforts, our skin can sometimes appear ashy and flaky due to dryness.
Below I’ve outlined some of the skin problems you may face during the harmattan season and their possible solutions. It is essential to note that each skin is unique, therefore, an added opinion from your dermatologist is crucial.
The Skin Issues
1. Dry Skin:
This one is not surprising. The Harmattan season is characterized by dry, dusty winds and significantly lower humidity levels, often dropping below 15%. This leads to moisture loss from the skin, often resulting in dryness, flakiness, and sometimes cracking.
2. Chapped Lips:
This might probably be my most hated skin problem this weather. The dry air dehydrates the lips, which are especially sensitive to moisture loss. As an effect, the lips become dry, cracked, and can sometimes bleed, if care is not taken after the former symptoms manifest.
3. Eczema and Dermatitis:
If you have pre-existing skin conditions like dermatitis or eczema, you’re probably not a fan of the harmattan because the harsh, dry winds often worsen these skin issues and cause increased itching, redness, and inflammation of the skin.
4. Fungal Infections:
The dust-prone environment can lead to fungal infections, especially in areas where the skin is already compromised, making skin conditions like athlete’s foot or ringworm more prevalent.
5. Allergic Reactions:
Some of us have very sensitive skin and the dust particles in the air floating around this period can trigger allergic skin reactions. Some symptoms of allergic reactions on our skin can include itching, rashes, and hives.
6. Sunburn:
This may come as a surprise but despite the cooler temperatures, the sun’s UV rays can still penetrate into our skin and cause damage, especially because the cloud cover has now been reduced. When sunburn occurs, the effects are redness, pain, and peeling of the skin.
7. Peeling Skin:
Peeling skin during Harmattan is quite common and can be attributed to the extremely dry air, which strips the skin of its natural moisture, causing the outer layer to become dry and peel/flake off.
8. Cracked Heels:
The dry air can cause the skin on the heels to become hard, flaky and cracked. Using foot creams or petroleum jelly and wearing socks can help keep the skin on your feet hydrated.
9. Exacerbation of Psoriasis:
The dry, dusty conditions can flare up psoriasis symptoms, causing the skin to experience severe scaling and redness. If this happens, keeping the skin well-moisturized and using prescribed treatments can help manage symptoms.
Preventive Measures
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin properly hydrated.
- Use thick, oil-based moisturizers to lock in moisture. Shea butter and olive oil are two very particularly effective emollients and should be applied when the skin is slightly damp.
- Wear long sleeves and hats to protect your skin from the dry winds.
- Apply lip balm regularly to prevent chapped lips.
- Avoid using harsh soaps and hot showers during this time as they can strip the skin of its natural oils.
- Try to use humidifiers indoors to add moisture to the air.
