Harmattan is the dry and cool season in West Africa that usually starts in late November and lasts until mid-March. During this period, the air becomes dusty and humidity drops, which strips moisture from your skin and makes areas like your heels especially dry and rough.
Without proper care, the skin on your feet can harden, split, and even become painful or infected.
In this article, Tribune Online explains 7 easy ways to prevent cracked feet:
1. Moisturise your feet regularly
Moisturise your feet regularly because dry skin is the main cause of cracks. Applying a thick cream or ointment right after bathing while your skin is still slightly damp helps lock in moisture and prevents water loss from the skin.
Dermatologists recommend formulas containing ingredients that soften and hydrate skin, such as urea or alpha hydroxy acids, and applying petroleum jelly before bed can seal in that moisture.
2. Soak your feet
Soaking your feet in warm water for about 10-15 minutes softens thick, dry skin so that dead skin can be gently removed. After soaking, gently use a pumice stone or foot file to smooth hard patches; this makes moisturizers penetrate better and keeps skin flexible. Be careful not to scrub too hard, over‑exfoliating can make cracks worse.
3. Wear socks
This helps keep the moisture against your skin instead of letting it evaporate quickly in the dry harmattan air. Many foot‑care guides suggest wearing socks overnight after applying a rich moisturizer or petroleum jelly to enhance hydration and protect sleeping sheets.
4. Choose closed, supportive footwear
Opt for closed, supportive footwear rather than open‑heeled shoes such as flip‑flops or sandals. Shoes that support the heel and reduce friction help prevent heel skin from expanding outward and cracking.
Avoid open‑back shoes if you're prone to dry, cracked heels.
5. Hydration and nutrition matter too
While topical care is most important, drinking water helps your body and your skin to stay hydrated, and vitamin C plays a role in skin repair. Deficiencies in skin‑healthy vitamins like C or E can make dryness worse.