By Ted Rosen, MD, FAAD, Editor-in-Chief
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis is a painful degenerative condition affecting the ear. Surgical removal or intralesional steroid injections are standard therapeutic interventions. A small clinical trial involved the use of topical nitroglycerin patches, assuming that part of the pathogenesis includes localized ischemia. Self-adhesive nitroglycerin patches (at the concentration of 5mg/24 hours release) were applied for 12 hours per day for a maximum of 60 days. Seven of 11 subjects (63.6%) experienced complete resolution of the chondrodermatitis. One patient had a partial response. Two patients experienced headaches and discontinued the study. One patient was not adherent and could not be evaluated. Use of topical nitroglycerin patches offer a simple, safe, and non-invasive option for the management of CNH.
TO READ MORE: Colmenero CG, et al. Nitroglycerin patch for the treatment of chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis: a new therapeutic option. Dermatol Ther. Sep-Oct 2014;27(5):278-80.
