A public health doctor has urged Nigerians, particularly in the northern region, to take early precautions to protect their skin as the harmattan season begins.
Dr Zainab Mu’azu, a resident doctor at the Department of Community Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, Bauchi, gave the advice in an interview on Thursday.
She explained that the season, characterized by dry and cold winds, often caused skin dryness, cracking, thickening, itching, and other dehydration-related problems.
“Even in the cold season, the body needs plenty of water. Dehydration worsens skin dryness and exposes it to complications,” Mu’azu said, stressing the importance of adequate water intake.
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The doctor advised regular application of moisturizers or natural oils such as shea butter, olive oil, and petroleum jelly, especially after bathing, while avoiding very hot water that stripped the skin of natural oils.
She also cautioned against harsh soaps, recommending mild, moisturizing alternatives to reduce irritation and protect the skin barrier.
“The lips are among the most vulnerable parts and require frequent application of lip moisturizers,” she added.
Mu’azu highlighted the importance of foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants to help the skin retain moisture.
“Examples include sardines, tuna, nuts, citrus fruits, watermelon, spinach, carrots, avocado, eggs, and yogurt.”
She further recommended soaking the feet in warm salty water and discouraging the use of stones that could cause wounds and infections.
Emphasizing prevention as the cheapest and most effective approach, Mu’azu urged Nigerians to adopt simple, natural remedies to safeguard their skin throughout the harmattan season.
The Harmattan blows during the dry season, which occurs during the months with the lowest sun. In this season, the subtropical ridge of high pressure stays over the central Sahara, and the low-pressure Intertropical Convergence Zone stays over the Gulf of Guinea.
On its passage over the Sahara, the Harmattan picks up fine dust and sand particles (between 0.5 and 10 micrometres). It is also known as the “doctor wind”, because of its invigorating dryness compared with humid tropical air.
NAN
