HARMATTAN 

Harmattan is a season that occurs between November and March. It is characterized by dry and dusty north easterly wind, which blows from the Sahara desert over west African into the Gulf of Guinea. 

On its passage over the desert, it picks up large amounts of dust particles. The particles are transported hundreds of kilometres over the south. 

During this time, the Sun is near the tropic of Capricorn, farthest away from west Africa, giving rise to low temperature while the relative humidity drops under 5%. 

It also dissipates cloud cover, prevent rainfall formation and also create a big clouds of dust which can result to dust storm. 

The air carries dust, pollen and other allergens which can irritate the mucosal surfaces of the nose and precipitate allergies such as runny nose, sneezing and catarrh.

This weather is associated with frequent headaches, cough, cold, general nasal tract disorder, sore throat, cracking of legs, sole and lips, conjunctivitis (Apollo), dry skin........ 

Dusty wind associated with the harmattan weather can also lead to more complicated diseases like rheumatism, arthritis and can trigger crises in sickle cell patients.

Stay hydrated in this season of harmattan. Drink a minimum of four(4) litters of water a day(8 sachet), this will enable a proper functioning of the kidneys and other metabolic processes.

In cold Ambient temperature, sweating is reduced, leading to increased sodium loading resulting in elevation of blood pressure. A cup of hot Tetrapleura tetraptera juice in the morning will help.

Give your children lot of Vitamin C rich fruit, like oranges. This helps to boost immunity needed in fighting off infections.

Stay away from lightening cream, soap and lotion with harsh chemicals.

Wear thick layer clothing to keep you warm and also a nose mask will do a good Job.

Ginger, clove, cinnamon, garlic, Tetrapleura tetraptera, star anise, grape fruit, oranges, pineapple, watermelon are best for the season.

Taking collagen supplement with a blend of other ingredients like vitamin D, vitamin C, Vitamin E and zinc can significantly improved skin hydration and roughness during this harmattan period.

Happy harmattan season.