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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]