Chondrodermatitis
I. Definition:
Chondrodermatitis helicis is a condition in which small, painful bumps are found on the borders or elevations of the ears.
II. Cause:
· 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.
· Years of chronic sun exposure may contribute to this condition.
III. Treatment:
· Sometimes chondrodermatitis helicis responds to topical cortisone ointments.
· Cortisone injections can also be used to treat chondrodermatitis helicis.
· Surgery may be needed in difficult cases, but recurrence of the condition after surgery is common.
Chondrodermatitis helicis is a condition in which small, painful bumps are found on the borders or elevations of the ears.
II. Cause:
· 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.
· Years of chronic sun exposure may contribute to this condition.
III. Treatment:
· Sometimes chondrodermatitis helicis responds to topical cortisone ointments.
· Cortisone injections can also be used to treat chondrodermatitis helicis.
· Surgery may be needed in difficult cases, but recurrence of the condition after surgery is common.