title: Therapeutic Options of Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis.
abstract: Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis is a benign inflammatory process affecting the skin and cartilage of the ear. It typically presents as a painful nodule surrounded by an area of erythema and often prevents the patient from sleeping on the affected side. Many treatments have been described in the literature, but the condition is prone to recurrence. A literature search was performed in order to identify the best possible treatment. Fifty-eight articles were included, describing and investigating nonsurgical as well as surgical treatment modalities. Large prospective, controlled, and randomised long-term studies are lacking, but based on the available literature, we recommend starting with a conservative approach using decompression devices. Simple surgical procedures should only be used if conservative measures fail.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Roskilde Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
authors.forename: Lea
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Juul Nielsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Roskilde Sygehus, Denmark.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Holkmann Olsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Roskilde Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark.
authors.forename: Jørgen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lock-Andersen