Harmattan and Dry Season: Looking After Your Health

The harmattan brings dusty winds and particularly dry air to Dakar for several weeks of the dry season. Sore throats, dry eyes, tight skin and more frequent allergy flare-ups are among the most common discomforts, and a few simple habits can make them easier to live with day to day.

Throat, eyes and airways

Airborne dust easily irritates the throat and eyes, especially late in the day or after time spent outdoors. Drinking water regularly, avoiding rubbing the eyes, and using saline drops to rinse them gently all help reduce discomfort. For sensitive people, wearing a light scarf over the nose and mouth while travelling by motorbike or on foot can reduce direct exposure to dust, especially in more exposed areas like Pikine, Guédiawaye or along major roads.

Skin and lips: dry air dehydrates

The dry harmattan air quickly dries out skin and lips, which can crack if not moisturised regularly. A moisturising cream applied morning and evening, a lip balm kept close at hand, and a lukewarm rather than very hot shower all help limit skin dryness. People with already sensitive skin may notice it gets worse during this period, a good reminder to reinforce their usual routine.

Asthma, allergies and people at risk

Harmattan dust can worsen symptoms for people with asthma or allergies, with more frequent coughing or harder breathing on some windy days. Children and older people are often more sensitive to these changes, and it helps to limit outings during the dustiest hours, usually late morning and afternoon. Keeping usual treatments on hand and consulting a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen remains the best approach, rather than waiting for the situation to settle on its own.

At home: cleaning and air filtration

Dust easily finds its way indoors during the harmattan, which makes more frequent cleaning necessary, especially for floors and surfaces where it tends to build up. Closing windows during the dustiest hours and reopening them in the evening when the air settles a little helps limit indoor buildup. For homes with air conditioners, regularly cleaning the filters prevents accumulated dust from being blown back around the room.

Hydration and when to see a doctor

Drinking enough water throughout the day remains one of the simplest and most effective habits during the dry season, since dry air increases the body's water loss without it always being noticeable. If a cough persists, breathing becomes difficult, or skin or eye irritation does not improve after a few days of simple care, it is best to consult a healthcare professional rather than wait. You can browse the full list of health professionals listed in the Dakar directory to find a pharmacy or practitioner near you.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Parfumerie beauté: health and beauty shop in Dakar
• Penda sarr: health professional in Gueule Tapée
• Pharmacie Royale (ex Blaise Diagne Scotto): pharmacy in Dakar
• Pharmacie de l'univers: pharmacy in Dakar
• Dr Mar NDIAYE - Chirurgien ophtalmologue Dakar / Partenaire AfriDoctor: ophthalmologist in Dakar
• Focus sante - Freedocteur: health professional in Cité Keur Gorgui

To see all addresses in this category, check the directory, and to widen your search, explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• Practical guide with emergency numbers and useful information
• Route planner to locate a nearby pharmacy
• For more, also read our health guide for the rainy season in Dakar and our tips on seeing a dermatologist in Dakar

This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice: if in doubt, consult a healthcare professional. In an emergency, the useful numbers are Police (17), Fire brigade (18), SAMU ambulance service (1515) and Gendarmerie (800 00 20 20).

Frequently asked questions

Is the harmattan dangerous for health?

For most people it mainly causes discomfort such as a dry throat or irritated skin, but it can worsen asthma or allergies in sensitive people.

How can children be protected during this period?

Limiting outings during the dustiest hours, making sure they drink enough water, and consulting a healthcare professional if respiratory symptoms appear are the most useful steps.

When should you see a healthcare professional?

If a cough persists, breathing becomes difficult, or irritation does not improve after a few days of simple care, it is best to seek medical advice without delay.