Harmattan is almost here, the humidity drops during the harmattan season, which can have a negative impact on health, particularly in babies and children.
Dry, flaky, ashy, and itchy skin; cracked feet, sore throat, numb fingers, runny nose; common colds; and asthma triggers are examples. It is therefore critical to ensure that children are adequately cared for in order to prevent illness.
Here are some precautions to take during the harmattan season to keep babies and children safe.
Moisturize
Because of the increased risk of developing dry, flaky, ashy, or itchy skin during harmattan, it is critical to moisturise children’s skin after bathing and during diaper changes to keep skin supple.
Severe dry skin can cause cracks in the skin, which can open and bleed, allowing bacteria to enter the skin. It is also important to note that during this time, children should be bathed in warm water.
Shea butter is an excellent choice for keeping children’s skin moisturised and aiding in the relief of common cold symptoms. It is a natural moisturiser that nourishes children’s delicate and sensitive skin.
Unscented oils, coconut oil, and chamomile oil are also effective moisturisers for children’s skin.
Children can also be given unscented lip balms to prevent cracked lips.
Ensure children stay hydrated
The dry air during the harmattan season can make children easily dehydrated; so it is important that children are given warm water and tea instead of carbonated drinks.
Also, because the humidity drops, as stated earlier; it is advised that parents purchase a humidifier.
The use of a humidifier adds moisture to the dry air which can cause dry and irritated skin; frequent sore throats and dry sinuses.
Choose the appropriate clothing
During the harmattan season, the weather is usually cold early in the morning and late at night; it is therefore critical to dress babies and children in warm clothing, as they lose body heat quickly; and babies expend a lot of energy in the pursuit of staying warm in a cold environment.
Babies and children should be dressed in layers that can be easily removed when it gets hot. It is also critical to wear caps and socks to keep ears and feet warm.
Give them more fruits and vegetables
Some of these include carrots, oranges, green beans which contain immune boosting phytonutrients such as carotenoids and vitamin C. Phytonutrients increase the body’s production of infection fighting white blood cells and antibodies that block viruses. A diet rich in phytonutrients can also protect against the development of chronic diseases such as heart diseases.
Watch out for negative symptoms
Negative symptoms which should be watched out for include: a congested or runny nose with thick, yellowish or greenish mucus, irritability, coughing, difficulty sleeping or a fever. Children who have asthma should also carry their inhalers with them always.
Keep the home clean
Harmattan usually brings a lot of dust which can trigger asthma amongst children who were already susceptible. It is recommended that windows be kept closed and homes should be dusted frequently.