New tender, bleeding papule on the left ear

Abstract

Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful, inflammatory condition that impacts the skin of the ear. It is commonly associated with pressure on the pinna causing a nodule that may have erythema, bleeding and exudate. We present a case of a woman in her 60s with a history of basal cell carcinoma who presented with a new tender spot on the antihelix of her left ear. The tenderness of the new spot forced her to switch from holding her phone to her left ear to using her right ear. A shave biopsy confirmed CNH and ruled out non-melanoma skin cancer. Although most prior cases report association with sleeping on the side of the affected ear, this case was attributed to cell phone use. It is important to remember that non-traditional sources of pressure can also lead to CNH.