Management of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis using a ‘doughnut pillow’

Abstract

AbstractChondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis is a well-recognised painful condition of the pinna. There have been several modes of treatment described for this condition. Although the most common mode of treatment is surgery,1,2 several conservative approaches have also been tried.Objectives:To determine if chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis can be treated conservatively using a doughnut-shaped pillow.Design and setting:Prospective study in Wrexham Maelor Hospital, which is a district general hospital.Participants:All the patients clinically diagnosed with chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis between September 2003 and September 2004. All such patients were seen by an ENT consultant with a special interest in facial lesions. Patients who could not be clinically diagnosed with chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis were excluded from the study.Main outcome measure:Pain relief following the use of a doughnut pillow was used as the main outcome measure.Results:Twenty-three (14 female and 9 male) patients were treated with a special doughnut-shaped pillow designed to relieve the pressure on the affected ear. Of the 23 lesions treated 13 remained pain free after a follow-up period of one year.Conclusion:Conservative treatment of chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis using a doughnut pillow is very cost effective.