HARMATTAN - Effect And Medical Advise To Prevent Negative Effect

The Harmattan is a cold-dry and dusty trade wind, blowing over the West African subregion. This northeasterly wind blows from the Sahara Desert into the Gulf of Guinea between the end of November and the middle of March (winter).The name comes from or is related to an Akan cognate.

Temperatures can easily be as low as 9 °C (48 °F). However, sometimes, in the afternoon, the temperature can soar to as high as 30 °C (86°F), while the relative humidity drops under 10%. The Harmattan season differs from winter, because it is characterized by cold–dry, dust-laden wind, and also wide flunctuations in the ambient temperatures of the day and night. On its passage over the Sahara, it picks up fine dust and sand particles (between 0.5 and 10 micrometres). The air is particularly dry and desiccating when the Harmattan blows over the region.

EFFECT

The Harmattan brings desert-like weather conditions: it lowers the humidity, dissipates cloud cover, prevents rainfall formation and sometimes creates big clouds of dust which can result in duststormsor sandstorms.[citation needed] However, when the haze effect is weak, this dry wind creates visually stunning sceneries with beautiful clear skies.[citation needed]

In some countries in the West Africa, the heavy amount of dust in the air can severely limit visibility and block the sun for several days, comparable to a heavy fog. The dry air can break the trunks of trees growing in the region. The effect caused by the dust stirred by these winds is known as the Harmattan haze, which costs airlines millions of dollars in cancelled and diverted flights each year.

The interaction of the Harmattan with monsoon winds can cause tornadoes. Humidity drops to as low as 15 percent, which can result in spontaneous nosebleeds for some people. The wind can also cause severe crop damage.

How to maintain your body and hair during Harmattan

The harmattan is gradually setting in and very soon its effect will start showing on our body. Its numerous adverse effects include, but not limited to, dryness of skin, accompanied by cracking of the lips and sole of the feet, to hair breaking. In all of these, people with dry skin are the ones that are mostly hit by the harsh weather.

Since our skin and hair react differently to changes in weather, women especially experience hair breakage during harmattan because of the harsh nature of the weather.

However, the good news is that, there are proven tips you can follow to ensure that your body and hair retain their textures during this period.

According to a medical experts, the best way to maintain your skin this season is to avoid dry skin by using oil-based lotion, they are better than normal cream. “Avoid unnecessary exposure of the skin to dry air, wearing of sunglasses. These are simple ways to protect you from the harsh weather.” Coupled with the expert’s advice, here are some tips to follow.

Hair

The more you wash your hair, the more it gets stripped of its oil and dries out. So, washing your hair twice or three times a week will prevent it from drying out.

– Oiling your hair everyday with hair cream mixed with olive oil, coconut oil or Shea butter also helps make the hair healthier during this season. Locally made shea butter is a nutritional cream that is very good for the hair, it prevents flaking of the hair, split ends and dry hair.

– Make sure you let your hair free most of the time. Tying your hair back in a ponytail or wearing a hat all the time will only add to stress on the hair follicle. This stress can then result in hair breakage or hair loss.

– Do not leave your weave or braids on for a too long time, try as much as possible to change it at least twice a month.

– Eat more vegetables and fruits that can provide you with the daily vitamins and minerals that you need. Eat three meals a day or five little ones, and keep to a regular healthy eating routine.

Skin

– To maintain your body oil during this season, it is advisable to use mild moisturising soap or body and always apply body oil to retain moisture on the skin and feet after bath. Do not completely dry your skin after shower; about 10 percent of moisture is retained if you apply cream on damp skin. You can pour few drops of oil into water before bath if you prefer.

– Note that hydrating creams and lotion are best for all skin types this season. Remember to also apply hand cream during the day and at night before going to bed.

– For the lovers of facial cleansers and toners, ensure you do away with the ones that contain alcohol or astringents and go for cleansers and toners with neutral PH of 5.5. In addition, moisturise your face after cleansing.

- harmattan can blow wind into your body and which can transfer dirt into your body, hence it is advisable to cover your nose with handkerchief while walking on the road.

On a final note, to balance your beauty regime for the season, every lady should always apply lip balm or lip salve before lipstick and if you prefer lip gloss apply after lipstick. The menfolk should also invest in a lip balm for a non-glossy moisturised lip.

Source: Wikipedia / Easynet