Chondrodermatitis nodularis chronica helicis (CNH)

Chondrodermatitis

What is Chondrodermatitis?

Chondrodermatitis, CNH or Winkler’s Disease is a common but not commonly understood complaint affecting the helix or antehelix of the ear. Unless treated correctly the problem is chronic and leads to years of disturbed sleep.

What does chondrodermatitis look like?

The condition initially presents itself as a sore or painful lesion on the outer ear. You may first notice it as a small, red patch of skin. It will be persistent and tender to the touch. As the skin continues to deteriorate it will eventually turn into an open wound with scaly flecks. As the deterioration continues, the tissue breakdown will go further than the skin and will ultimately affect the cartilage. At this point the wound will be incredibly painful to the touch and represents the final stage of the condition. However, worry not, the condition is not fatal, just terribly unpleasant and uncomfortable.

Chondrodermatitis’s march from a small red patch of skin to a full-on pressure sore is a long but inexorable one. Unless it is treated early and correctly, of course. For more information on treatment methods follow this link: Chondrodermatitis

How is Chondrodermatitis caused?

Chondrodermatitis is caused by friction and pressure working against the skin of the ear. The condition affects the outer ear because that is the part which comes into contact with the fabric of your pillow. It is the pillow rubbing against your ear, night after night, which provides the friction necessary to degenerate the skin.

How is chondrodermatitis treated?

Your doctor may prescribe steroid creams and other such ointments however unless you address the root cause of the problem, that is to say the friction of your own pillow, you will not stop CNH from forming. The only way to effectively cure it is to remove the source of friction and pressure entirely. To do this you can use a special CNH pillow with a hole in it. Such pillows can be found online. Google around and you will find one.

Do you want to know more about Chondrodermatitis or other related ear conditions? If so follow this link here: ear pain help.

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