Intralesional Hyaluronic Acid Injection for Chondrodermatitis Nodularis Helicis: A Novel Treatment for Rapid Relief of Pain and Healing of Ulcerations.

BACKGROUND: Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis (CNH) is a common chronic condition characterized by a tender nodule on the helix or antihelix of the ear which may or may not have accompanying crusting, scaling, or ulceration and that is often difficult to treat.

OBJECTIVE: Develop an easy, effective, and durable treatment to reduce the pain and clinical signs including ulcerations associated with CNH using injectable hyaluronic acid (HA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients were injected and followed up in 2 to 4 weeks intervals using 0.2 to 0.3 mL of various HA with a high G-Prime.

RESULTS: Injectable HA significantly improved the symptoms and also the clinical appearance of all patients treated after 1 or 2 injections except 1 patient. Extrusion of the material through a preexisting ulcer usually required a second follow-up injection 2 weeks later. No adverse events were noted with the injections other than the intentional visible bulging of the injected region with HA.

CONCLUSION: Injectable HA provides almost immediate relief from the discomfort of CNH in most cases in less than 1 or 2 weeks, significantly improves the clinical appearance over time and resolves accompanying ulcerations.