Staying well through the harmattan season
Seasonal health · 5 December 2025 · 4 min read
From about November to March, the harmattan brings dry, dusty winds down from the Sahara. The air turns hazy, the days feel cooler, and the dryness can be hard on the body. A few simple habits will help you and your family stay well through the season.
Drink more water than you think you need
The dry air pulls moisture from your body without you noticing. Keep water close by and sip through the day, even when you are not thirsty. Young children and older relatives dry out the fastest, so gently remind them to drink often.
Care for dry skin and lips
Cracked skin and lips are the season's most common complaint. Moisturise after every bath while the skin is still a little damp, shea butter or any plain cream works well, and reapply to hands, feet, and lips during the day.
Protect your chest and throat
Fine dust irritates the airways and can bring on coughing, catarrh, and sore throats. It can also trigger asthma. Try to keep dust down at home, cover your nose and mouth with a cloth on dusty days, and if you use an inhaler, keep it with you.
Look after your eyes
Dust in the eyes causes redness and itching. Rinse gently with clean water rather than rubbing, which only makes it worse. If redness, pain, or discharge lasts more than a day or two, come and let us look.
When to see us
A cough or breathing that will not settle, wheezing, eye pain or discharge, or a fever that stays. Come to Dei Gratia and we will check you over.
A note from us
This article is general information, not a substitute for seeing a clinician. If you are worried about your health, or your child's, please come in or call us.
Have a health worry?
Do not wait on it. Book a visit, or talk it through with our team.