Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic related chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: the role of masks

Abstract

Abstract Background Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a benign, but painful inflammatory condition of the ear, characterised by a tender nodule located on the helix or antihelix. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis associated with the use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks during the pandemic. Method A retrospective single-centre study was performed from February 2020 to February 2022 in the Maxillo-Facial Unit at the University Hospital of Siena, Italy. Results During the indexed period, 11 patients were affected by chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis. All patients wore a mask for more than 8 hours a day, every day for several months. Conclusion Although there is no certain proof of the correlation between masks and chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis, an increase in the incidence of this condition was highlighted in our single-centre experience in the pandemic period. The prolonged use of coronavirus disease 2019 masks may explain this correlation.