Exploiting the igloo principle and greenhouse effect to regulate humidity and temperature

Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2006 Sep-Oct;72(5):361-3. doi: 10.4103/0378-6323.27753.

Abstract

Background: Toxic epidermal necrolysis can be fatal and nursing care with careful monitoring of temperature and humidity can improve survival rate. We adapted the greenhouse and igloo principle using a common hood to monitor the temperature and humidity.

Methods: A small heater with a regulator was placed in a mini hood and temperature was recorded inside the uncovered hood and hood covered with green cloth and aluminium foil separately. The regular hood was placed over a volunteer and the temperature was measured inside the open hood and hood covered with green cloth and aluminium foil separately. The relative humidity was also monitored using Zeal mercury dry--wet bulb hygrometer.

Results: Temperature increase was most marked in the foil-covered hood followed by cloth-covered hood, both with the heater and the volunteer. Similarly, in the volunteer study, the humidity was best maintained inside the aluminium foil-covered hood.

Conclusion: We recommend the use of regular hood with suitable cover to monitor the humidity and temperature of patients with toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Body Temperature / physiology
  • Body Temperature Regulation / physiology
  • Greenhouse Effect
  • Heating / instrumentation
  • Heating / methods*
  • Humans
  • Humidity* / standards
  • Incubators / standards
  • Male
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome / therapy
  • Temperature*