Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis (Pressure Sore on the Ear)

Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas

Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis:

  • Is caused by pressure from sleeping on one side or holding a phone receiver against the ear for long periods of time
  • Appears as a tender pink 1 mm to 5 mm bump or open sore on the part of the ear which sticks out the most
  • May be very painful
  • Is not cancer
  • Will not turn into a cancer
  • Reduce Pressure to the affected area:
    • Sleep on your other side
    • Cover the affected area with a cotton ball and bandage at night time
    • Use a piece of foam with a hole cut out of the centre as a pillow
      • Rest the affected ear inside the cut-out-area while sleeping so that there is no pressure from the foam on the ear
  • Liquid Nitrogen:
    • A cold freezing spray may help the area heal
    • After a treatment, the area will become swollen and crusted
    • This will heal in about 2 weeks time
    • You may bathe or shower normally after a treatment
  • Cortisone-Antibiotic cream mixtures may help
    • The should be applied to the affected area once daily
  • Intralesional Steroids (Cortisone Injections):
    • The cortisone is injected directly into the affected area with a small needle
    • Only one injection is required to treat the entire lesion
    • The main side effect from the injections includes, but is not limited to:
      • Thinning of the skin in the area of injection, although this is uncommon and reversible
  • Surgery:
    • If all of the above fail, a small piece of cartilage can be removed from the affected portion of the ear
    • This surgical procedure is not performed in my office
      • A referral to a surgeon from your doctor would be required

What if you are interested to learn more?

If you would like to learn more please phone the aesthetic centre directly at (905) 549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians or

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