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Temperature and humidity: not too dry, not too damp

Air that is too dry dries out the skin, lips and lining of the nose, raising the risk of nosebleeds. Air that is too damp encourages mould and fungi.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A humidifier releasing a soft mist in a room
Figure 1.Keep the air from getting too dry

01Short answer

Keep the room at a temperature comfortable for you, neither cold nor hot (around 20–22 °C for most people). You can check humidity with an inexpensive hygrometer; about 30–50% suits most homes. If winter heating dries the air, ventilate, moisturise skin and lips, and use a humidifier if needed; clean it every day and refill it with fresh water. If there is condensation and mould on walls and windows, humidity is too high, so ventilate. In summer, curtains and air conditioning (with a clean filter) reduce the heat.

02Simple explanation

A comfortable temperature.

Moderate humidity.

Humidifier cleaned daily.

Condensation? Ventilate.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: nosebleeds can happen when platelets are low; keeping the lining of the nose moist helps.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Nose

Dry air makes nosebleeds more likely (“Nosebleeds: what to do”).

Mould

High humidity increases mould spores (“Air in the room: clean, smoke-free, mould-free”).

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
NoseDry air makes nosebleeds more likely (“Nosebleeds: what to do”).
MouldHigh humidity increases mould spores (“Air in the room: clean, smoke-free, mould-free”).
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Hygrometer
A device that measures humidity.
Condensation
Water droplets on a cold surface.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Comfortable.
  • Moderate humidity.
  • Clean device.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

What goes in the humidifier?

Clean water; no scented oils.

Is air conditioning all right?

Yes, with a clean filter and no direct draught.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. What goes in the humidifier?

  2. Is air conditioning all right?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mold Course Chapter 2: Why and Where Mold Grows
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Spirituality in Cancer Care (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Cancer-Related Post-traumatic Stress (PDQ®) – Patient Version
  8. American Cancer Society. Adjusting to Life With Cancer
  9. American Cancer Society. Mental Health and Distress
  10. American Cancer Society. Therapy, Counseling, and Support Resources for People with Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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