Chondrodermatitis Helicis - Information on Chondrodermatitis Helicis

Chondrodermatitis Helicis Information

Chondrodermatitis Helicis is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Chondrodermatitis Helicis may occur to the people at any age.Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (CNH) is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the ear. It is most often seen in middle-aged men and results in a benign tender lump in the cartilaginous portion of the ear. The affected area may only be a few millimetres wide, but to lie on it causes exquisite discomfort. There is often a tiny central core which may discharge a small amount of scaly material.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Chondrodermatitis Helicis. Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a painful nodule of the external ear. These uncommon lesions are most often encountered on the helix in white men older than 40 years, although they also rarely occur on the antihelix in women.

Causes of Chondrodermatitis Helicis

The exact cause of the Chondrodermatitis Helicis is unknown, however, following might be the reasons behind this disease:

• sleeping on the side of the involved ear.
• pressure,
• cold,
• actinic damage, and
• repeated trauma
• Injury to the skin and/or underlying cartilage from pressure
• Chondrodermatitis helicis is found most often in males and people past middle age.
• Chondrodermatitis helicis may occur when pressure is constantly applied to the same ear, such as when holding a telephone.
• This condition often occurs as a result of sleeping on the side of the involved ear.
• It is thought that reduced blood flow to the cartilage in the ear is responsible for this condition.

Treatment of Chondrodermatitis Helicis

Methods For Treating Chondrodermatitis Helicis are :

• Your dermatologist may be able to arrange for a protective made-to-measure silicone splint.
• Wear a warm hat over the ears when outside in the cold and wind.
• If the CNH is ulcerated, apply an antibiotic ointment under a light dressing.
• Your doctor may treat the lesion with a cortisone injection or freeze it with liquid nitrogen to promote healing.
• Surgical treatment may be required (excision biopsy).