Management of chondrodermatitis helicis by protective padding: a series of 12 cases and a review of the literature.

There are numerous theories concerning the aetiology of chondrodermatitis, and many authors have suggested that pressure is a significant factor. We prospectively gathered information from 14 patients with a clinical diagnosis of this condition. Many of the patients had a physical condition that forced them to lie on the side of the affected ear. Patients were advised to use protective padding of the ear at night. Most patients were rapidly relieved of their symptoms, although healing was frequently prolonged. This positive response rate and the high recurrence rate after surgery suggest that this condition should be primarily treated conservatively; they also support the theory that pressure on the ear is the main aetiological factor. Biopsies in two patients who did not respond to conservative treatment led to an altered diagnosis.