title: The Usefulness of 0.2% Topical Nitroglycerin for Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a painful idiopathic degenerative condition involving the skin and cartilage of the helix or antihelix of the ear. Topical nitroglycerin 2% is a relatively recent treatment option for CNH that has produced good results, although with adverse effects (17% of cases). The use of a lower concentration would probably achieve similar results with fewer adverse effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of topical nitroglycerin 0.2% in the treatment of CNH.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective observational study of patients treated in 2 Spanish hospitals between 2012 and 2014. The effectiveness of treatment was determined by clinical photography and assessment of symptoms using a verbal numerical rating scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 29 patients treated, 93% showed clinical improvement. In the group of responders, mean treatment duration was 1.8 months and mean follow-up was 5.9 months. Overall tolerance was good in all cases.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Topical nitroglycerin 0.2% is an effective and well-tolerated conservative treatment option that improves the appearance of lesions and provides symptomatic relief in the majority of patients with CNH.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España. Electronic address: vsanzmotilva@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanz-Motilva
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Martorell-Calatayud
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gutiérrez García-Rodrigo
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hueso-Gabriel
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: García-Melgares
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pelufo-Enguix
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital de Manises, Valencia, España.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Alfaro-Rubio
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Dermatología, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vanaclocha-Sebastián
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002357:Cartilage Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003872:Dermatitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004425:Ear Cartilage / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D004427:Ear Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin
keywords: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis; Condrodermatitis nodular del hélix; Nitroglicerina tópica; Topical nitroglycerin; Tratamiento; Treatment