Chongrodermatitis Helicis Essay
Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful growth that forms on the top of the ear (helix). The growth often forms on the ear you sleep on.
CAUSES
The exact cause of this condition is not known. The condition cannot spread from person to person.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
Men who are 40 years old or older.
People with fair skin.
People who have had an injury to the helix, such an injury caused by:
A blow or cut.
Sun damage.
Exposure to cold.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Pain on the top of the ear that gets worse with pressure. This is the main symptom.
A firm bump (nodule) that breaks open (ulcerates) in …show more content…
the center and then gets red and crusty.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam.
A small piece of the growth may be removed so it can looked at under a microscope (biopsy). This may be done to rule out skin cancer and confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
Sometimes the condition clears up on its own with time, but usually treatment is needed. Treatment may involve:
Using a type of sponge or cushion to keep pressure off the helix while you sleep (ear prosthetic).
Applying a cream or ointment (topical therapy) to:
Kill bacteria.
Reduce inflammation.
Increase blood flow.
Injection therapy, which may involve:
Getting injections of steroids to reduce inflammation.
Getting cartilage injections to cushion the nodule.
Having surgery to remove the nodule. This may be done if other treatments do not help. Surgery may involve:
Freezing the area (cryosurgery).
Laser surgery.
Scraping out the core of the nodule (curettage).
Removing the nodule and some cartilage below it (wedge resection).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If you were given an ear prosthetic, wear it as told by your health care provider.
Do not sleep on the affected ear.
Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition
improves.
Use your cream or ointment as told by your health care provider. If the cream or ointment is an antibiotic, do not stop using it even if your condition improves.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your condition is not improving.
Your helix is getting more painful, red, or swollen.
You have a fever.
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful growth that forms on the top of the ear (helix). The growth often forms on the ear you sleep on.
CAUSES
The exact cause of this condition is not known. The condition cannot spread from person to person.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
Men who are 40 years old or older.
People with fair skin.
People who have had an injury to the helix, such an injury caused by:
A blow or cut.
Sun damage.
Exposure to cold.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of this condition include:
Pain on the top of the ear that gets worse with pressure. This is the main symptom.
A firm bump (nodule) that breaks open (ulcerates) in …show more content…
the center and then gets red and crusty.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition may be diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam.
A small piece of the growth may be removed so it can looked at under a microscope (biopsy). This may be done to rule out skin cancer and confirm the diagnosis.
TREATMENT
Sometimes the condition clears up on its own with time, but usually treatment is needed. Treatment may involve:
Using a type of sponge or cushion to keep pressure off the helix while you sleep (ear prosthetic).
Applying a cream or ointment (topical therapy) to:
Kill bacteria.
Reduce inflammation.
Increase blood flow.
Injection therapy, which may involve:
Getting injections of steroids to reduce inflammation.
Getting cartilage injections to cushion the nodule.
Having surgery to remove the nodule. This may be done if other treatments do not help. Surgery may involve:
Freezing the area (cryosurgery).
Laser surgery.
Scraping out the core of the nodule (curettage).
Removing the nodule and some cartilage below it (wedge resection).
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If you were given an ear prosthetic, wear it as told by your health care provider.
Do not sleep on the affected ear.
Do not stop using the antibiotic even if your condition
improves.
Use your cream or ointment as told by your health care provider. If the cream or ointment is an antibiotic, do not stop using it even if your condition improves.
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
Your condition is not improving.
Your helix is getting more painful, red, or swollen.
You have a fever.